Strontium ranelate in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures

Osteoporosis results from a decrease in bone strength yielding increased susceptibility to fractures. Hip and spine fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. With an increasingly ageing world population, early prevention of bone loss is essential for adequate control of this condition. Strontium ranelate (PROTELOS((R))), an oral drug for postmenopausal osteoporosis, has been reported to decrease bone resorption and to stimulate bone formation. The efficacy in reducing vertebral fractures, non-vertebral including hip fractures, and the safety of strontium ranelate has been initially demonstrated over 3 years in the SOTI (Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention) and TROPOS (TReatment Of Peripheral OSteoporosis) studies and confirmed recently over up to 5 years. A preplanned analysis of a sub-group of patients aged 80 years and over showed that, currently, strontium ranelate is the only antiosteoporotic agent to reduce vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in this age group.