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What is the new drug for nice osteoporosis?

3 min read

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), osteoporosis affects over three million people in the UK. The demand for advanced treatments led to a recent review, resulting in a new recommended option that changes the landscape of therapy for those with severe forms of the condition, answering the question: What is the new drug for nice osteoporosis?

Quick Summary

NICE has recently approved Abaloparatide (brand name Eladynos) as a new treatment option for specific postmenopausal individuals with osteoporosis who are at a very high risk of fracture.

Key Points

  • New Drug: The new drug approved by NICE for severe osteoporosis is abaloparatide, also known by the brand name Eladynos.

  • NICE Approval: It was recommended by NICE in August 2024 for postmenopausal individuals at very high risk of fracture.

  • Bone-Building Action: Abaloparatide is an anabolic drug, meaning it works by actively stimulating bone formation to increase bone density.

  • Self-Administered: The treatment involves a daily self-injection using a convenient pre-filled pen, improving adherence for many patients.

  • Alternative Option: It serves as an alternative to other anabolic treatments like romosozumab and teriparatide, particularly for those who cannot tolerate or respond to standard therapies.

  • Follow-On Treatment: After an 18-month course of abaloparatide, patients must transition to an antiresorptive medication to maintain bone gains.

In This Article

Introducing Abaloparatide (Eladynos): A New Option for Severe Osteoporosis

In August 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended abaloparatide (Eladynos) for treating osteoporosis in certain postmenopausal individuals at very high fracture risk. This decision offers a new alternative for patients who may not have responded to or cannot tolerate other therapies. The approval was based on evidence showing the drug's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in reducing fracture risk.

How Abaloparatide Works to Build Bone

Abaloparatide is an 'anabolic' agent, meaning it stimulates bone-building cells (osteoblasts) to create new bone tissue. Unlike antiresorptive drugs that slow bone breakdown, abaloparatide is a synthetic peptide analogue of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) that directly increases bone mineral density.

Who Is Eligible for This New Treatment?

NICE guidance recommends abaloparatide for specific individuals with postmenopausal osteoporosis at very high fracture risk. This includes women, trans men, and non-binary people registered female at birth. Eligibility is determined by healthcare professionals based on factors like prior fractures or very low bone mineral density, often using tools like the FRAX algorithm as detailed by the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG).

Key Benefits and Administration

Abaloparatide is administered as a daily self-injection using a pre-filled pen, which can improve treatment adherence. Benefits include significant reduction in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, offering an alternative for those who cannot tolerate or haven't responded to standard treatments, and potentially lower risk of certain side effects like hypercalcemia compared to some other anabolic treatments.

Abaloparatide vs. Other Anabolic Osteoporosis Drugs

Abaloparatide is one of several anabolic treatments for osteoporosis recommended by NICE, alongside romosozumab and teriparatide. The choice depends on individual patient circumstances and discussion with a healthcare provider. While abaloparatide is used for 18 months, teriparatide has a 24-month duration, and romosozumab is limited to 12 months.

Feature Abaloparatide (Eladynos) Romosozumab Teriparatide
Mechanism Anabolic (stimulates bone formation) Anabolic & Antiresorptive Anabolic (stimulates bone formation)
Administration Daily self-injection (pen) Monthly injection (clinic) Daily self-injection (pen)
Treatment Duration 18 months 12 months 24 months
Storage Does not require refrigeration after opening No refrigeration specified Requires refrigeration
Post-Treatment Requires follow-on antiresorptive therapy (e.g., alendronic acid) Requires follow-on antiresorptive therapy Requires follow-on antiresorptive therapy
NICE Approval August 2024 for severe osteoporosis (postmenopausal) May 2022 for severe osteoporosis (postmenopausal) Specified criteria for postmenopausal women and men

Treatment Sequence and Maintenance

Anabolic therapies like abaloparatide are typically followed by an antiresorptive treatment to maintain bone density gains. Following this sequence, such as 18 months of abaloparatide followed by antiresorptive therapy, is crucial for long-term fracture protection. Healthcare professionals monitor patients to determine the optimal follow-up plan.

For more detailed information, the official NICE document is a valuable resource. You can find it here: Abaloparatide for treating osteoporosis after menopause.

Conclusion: A New Era for Severe Osteoporosis Management

Abaloparatide's recommendation by NICE provides a new and effective anabolic option for individuals with severe osteoporosis. Its bone-forming action, convenient administration, and suitability as an alternative treatment mark a significant advancement. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine if abaloparatide is appropriate, but its availability offers a major step forward in managing severe osteoporosis and reducing fracture risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new drug recently recommended by NICE for the treatment of severe osteoporosis in eligible individuals is abaloparatide, which is also known by its brand name, Eladynos.

NICE has recommended abaloparatide for women, trans men, and non-binary people registered female at birth who have osteoporosis after menopause and are at a very high risk of fracture.

Abaloparatide is an anabolic (bone-building) drug, unlike most others which are antiresorptive (bone-slowing). It stimulates new bone growth, offering a different and powerful mechanism of action.

It is administered as a daily subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen that patients can learn to use themselves at home, which increases convenience.

The treatment course with abaloparatide is for a limited duration of 18 months. Following this, patients need to be prescribed an antiresorptive medication to maintain the bone gains.

After completing the 18-month course, patients are typically transitioned to an antiresorptive drug, such as alendronic acid, to help maintain the increased bone mineral density achieved during the anabolic phase.

It can be used as a first-line option for eligible individuals at very high fracture risk, particularly those for whom other treatments like romosozumab or teriparatide are not suitable.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.