New drugs for osteoporosis

Despite numerous treatments, the majority of Australians with osteoporosis remain untreated. The newer parenteral treatments, intravenous zoledronic acid and subcutaneous denosumab injections, are administered less frequently (annually or six monthly, respectively) than the oral bisphosphonates, potentially overcoming compliance issues. Two other daily treatments strontium ranelate and teriparatide - do not have major inhibitory effects on bone resorption (anti-catabolic), and teriparatide stimulates new bone formation (anabolic). With the exception of teriparatide, which is reserved for women and men with the most severe osteoporosis, all of these newer drugs are first-line therapy for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, only bisphosphonates are also currently approved for this indication in men and in patients with corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.