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A federal
advisory committee has unanimously endorsed a natural bone-building
hormone as a treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis,
the bone disease that afflicts millions of older Americans.
The hormone
Forteo, which is administered by daily injections, was unanimously
endorsed by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee.
The committee split 5-to-5 on endorsing Forteo as a treatment
for men with the disease.
Forteo
is a bone formation agent that work primarily to stimulate
new bone formation by increasing the number and activity of
bone-forming cells called osteoblasts.
A study
published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported
that Forteo stimulated new bone formation, significantly lowering
fracture risk and significantly increasing bone mineral density
compared with a placebo.
"Today's
review of Forteo by the FDA advisory committee is an important
step in delivering on our promise to remain at the forefront
of osteoporosis research and in providing innovative solutions
for the millions of Americans who suffer from this disease,"
said John Lechleiter, executive vice president for Eli Lilly,
the hormone's manufacturer.
Source:
Medical Week staff,
week of August 5, 2001
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