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Osteoporosis drug launched in Japan

08 Apr 2009

Ono Pharmaceutical and Astellas Pharma have announced the Japanese launch of Recalbon and Bonoteo Tablets.

The products - both in 1mg form and otherwise known as minodronic acid hydrate - went to market in Japan yesterday (April 7th) following their approval on January 21st for the treatment of osteoporosis.

It is estimated over ten million people suffer from the condition in the Asian nation, although the figure is expected to rise as its demographic becomes older.

The orally-taken bisphosphonate exhibits extremely potent inhibition of bone resporption - the process by which osteoclasts break down old bone, causing the sufferer to lose elasticity and hardness in their skeletal structure.

Minodronic acid hydrate was first discovered to have an effect in Japan.

The companies hope their products will improve the quality of life of patients by offering another therapeutic mode of treatment.

In the UK, Dame Kelly Holmes is set to be the figurehead for a charity walk for the National Osteoporosis Society.