Thousands of people in England and Wales with severe osteoporosis who are at high risk of fracture are set to benefit from a new treatment.
The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Romosozumab for people after menopause in final draft guidance published Friday 1 April 2022.
Over 20,000 people could be eligible for the treatment according to the company. Clinical trial evidence showed that romosozumab followed by alendronic acid is more effective at reducing the risk of fractures than alendronic acid alone.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin and fragile. Many people with osteoporosis show no symptoms, but they may be at increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis leads to nearly 9 million fractures around the world each year, and over 300,000 people per year attend hospitals in the UK with fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Helen Knight, acting director for medicines evaluation at NICE, said:
“People with severe osteoporosis often have a poorer quality of life. Fractures due to osteoporosis can lead to hospital stays and limit people’s mobility and independence. Romosozumab has shown clinically significant results that could have a huge impact on the lives of people who have severe osteoporosis.
“It is the first new treatment for osteoporosis for several years and I’m delighted we have been able to recommend this drug as an option for people with severe osteoporosis.”
