Protelos 'better than alendronate for osteoporosis treatment'

Protelos shows better results in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis compared to alendronate, according to a new study published in the journal Osteoporosis International.

Researchers from Geneva University Hospital studied 88 postmenopausal women over the age of 50 with osteoporosis.

The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The first was given 2mg of Protelos (also known as strontium ranelate) per day, while the second was administered 70mg of alendronate per week.

After one year, results showed that Protelos increased cortical bone thickness and volume and trabecular bone density more significantly than alendronate.

"These results are highly interesting and important news for osteoporosis patients", said lead researcher Professor Rene Rizzoli.

"Cortical thickness is an important determinant of the strength of long bones and in the prevention of hip fractures. Bone volume and trabecular thickness relate more closely to trabecular bone, the type of bone found in the vertebra.

"Our study suggests that with strontium ranelate, bone may be as good if not superior as with alendronate in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis."

A spokesman for the Arthritis Research Campaign said that Protelos had a preventative effect on spinal fractures similar to bisphosphonate drugs, of which alendronate is one, although it tended to have a slower onset of action.

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