Many women with postmenopausal osteoporosis cannot take oral bisphosphonates because it requires remaining in an upright position for a period of time and restricts food and water being ingestedfor a period of time before and after taking them.

A new study shows that an intravenous (I.V.) injection of ibandronate (brand name Bonviva) every 2-3 months is highly effective and well-tolerated!

The study called ‘DIVA’ which stands for ‘Dosing IntraVenous Administration’ recently presented their results at the American College of Rheumatology meeting in San Diego, USA.

DIVA tested Bonviva at 2mg every two months or 3mg every three months and found that it resulted in greater increases in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and various hip sites and was well-tolerated. The study involved
1,395 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis between the ages of 55 and 80.

Regulatory papers have been sent in to the US and European Union Health Authorities. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Roche - www.roche.com) GlaxoSmithKline (GSK - www.gsk.com) are co-developing and co-promoting Bonviva together to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. I have not heard any estimate about when Bonviva will become available.

More information about what causes osteoporosis and how to prevent it can be found on this site in the article titled: Osteoporosis.

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