Researchers tout once-monthly Boniva data

GlaxoSmithKline and Roche have released new data from a Phase III trial of a monthly formulation of Boniva showing that the drug is at least as effective as a daily formulation of the osteoporosis drug. Researchers told the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology that the drug was shown to be highly effective and safe after two years in trial. About 80 percent of the group taking the 150 mg once-monthly dose gained bone mineral density during the course of the trial.

"These new data confirm the one year results presented in 2004 and further strengthen the evidence for the first monthly oral treatment for osteoporosis Bonviva offers the proven efficacy of a bisphosphonate with the convenience of just 12 tablets a year, which may help patients to stay on therapy longer," said William Burns, CEO, Division Roche Pharma.

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