Data from extension trials: denosumab and zoledronic acid

Osteoporosis and fractures that occur as a result of this condition pose a huge public health problem to society and result in morbidity and mortality to individuals. Because osteoporosis is often a result of aging, many people are not aware that therapies exist to reduce the risk of fracture. Until recently, the most common therapies used to treat osteoporosis, the oral bisphosphonates, had an inconvenient and cumbersome mode of administration. Within the last 4 years, two new parenteral antiresorptive drugs to treat osteoporosis were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. As treatment of osteoporosis may extend for many years, the collection of long-term efficacy and safety data is warranted. This paper discusses data from the extension trials of denosumab and zoledronic acid.