Latebreakers: FDA OK's first once-yearly osteoporosis treatment

Reclast (zoledronic acid injection, Novartis) has been approved by the FDA as the first once-yearly treatment for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The agency go-ahead was based on results of the three-year Pivotal Fracture Trial, which showed an increase in bone strength and reduction in fractures in the hip, spine, and nonspine areas normally affected by osteoporosis. According to Novartis, the new product is the only treatment proven to reduce fractures in all key sites.