The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the drug abaloparatide, which is marketed as Eladynos by Theramex, as an option for treating osteoporosis after the menopause, in a move that is expected to benefit more than 14,000 women.
The treatment will be available for NHS use within the next three months and will be for those who are at a very high risk of fracture. It will be as an alternative for people who have tried usual treatment options but either cannot tolerate them or have not responded to them.
The usual treatment options include romosozumab or teriparatide followed by bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid. NICE describes abaloparatide as a “clinically and cost-effective” new option.
“Our focus is on enabling access to care that improves quality of life while offering value to the taxpayer,” said Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy CEO and chief medical officer.
“Abaloparatide has been found by our independent committee to be clinically and cost effective at reducing the risk of fracture, giving people more independence and therefore a better quality of life.”
He added: “The independent committee heard from patients about how debilitating osteoporosis can be and how it impacts all aspects of day-to-day life, such as not going out for a walk because they are fearful of falling and having a fracture. This can impair mental and physical health.”
Patient representative Alison Smith said: “I know the devastating impact that fractures can have on peoples’ lives. I’m delighted that there is going to be another safe and effective drug available which will hopefully stop so many people suffering the effects and fear of having more fractures.”
The treatment will come in the form of a pre-filled pen and can be self-administered at home, helping those prone to fractures. It helps improve bone density, thus reducing the risk of fracture. The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that around 3.5 million people in the UK are impacted by osteoporosis, costing the NHS more than £4.6bn a year. This is projected to rise to £6bn by 2030.
Image credit: iStock
![[Left to right] Prof. Ronan Killeen - Consultant Radiologist at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Andy Wilks - Head of Enterprise Services for Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, Edel O’Keeffe - Director of Finance at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Ghada Trotabas - Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, Brian Fitzgerald - Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent's Private Hospital with Grania Heal – Country Head for Ireland at Siemens Healthineers, and Rob Ruttledge](/sites/nhe/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-09/Press%20release%20image-24.jpg?itok=gHKP-rtG)
