Improved Dosing Regimens and Novel Mechanisms of Action Drive Osteoporosis Therapeutics Markets.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- The introduction of new products with either expanded indications, improved dosing regimens or bone-building capabilities is expected to drive the U.S. osteoporosis therapies market forward in the years to come.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.healthcare.frost.com), U.S. Osteoporosis Therapeutics Markets, reveals that revenue in this market totaled $3.33 billion in 2003 and is projected to reach $8.56 billion in 2010.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure which provides manufacturers, end-users and other industry participants an overview, summary, challenges and latest coverage of U.S. Osteoporosis Therapeutics Markets, please send an email to Danielle White - North American Corporate Communications, at [e-mail] with the following information: Full name, Company Name, Title, Contact Tel Number, Contact Fax Number, Email. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be emailed to you.

Bisphosphonates accounted for 71.2 percent of total revenues in the U.S. osteoporosis market and are projected to remain the most profitable product segment.

"Despite the popularity of bisphosphonates in treating osteoporosis, there is room for improvement in terms of side effects and shorter dosage regimens," explains Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst/Team Leader Patrick Rajan. "Since patient compliance is a major issue, new therapies must also provide greater tolerability in addition to safety and efficacy."

Although weekly courses of Fosamax and Actonel have proven effective in managing osteoporosis, the introduction of bisphosphonates with monthly and yearly dosing regimens in the form of Boniva and Zometa is likely to find considerable success in this market.

Researchers are also evaluating selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for halting bone loss caused by chemotherapy-induced menopause. Considering that there are approximately 200,000 new cases of breast cancer each year, there is substantial potential for osteoporosis drugs as an adjuvant to chemotherapy.

Currently, there is an unmet need for therapies that help in building bone as opposed to merely slowing the rate of bone loss. Anabolic agents such as parathyroid hormones (PTHs) capable of increasing bone mineral density (BMD), restoring skeletal structure, and curtailing fracture risk hold an edge over traditional antiresorptive therapies.

"PTHs are particularly useful for patients with severe osteoporosis and at greater risk of suffering fractures," explains Rajan. "Bone structure in these patients has deteriorated to such an extent that an antiresorptive proves ineffective in replacing the lost bone."

At present, Eli Lilly's Forteo (teriparatide), which was launched in December 2002, holds the distinction of being the first and only anabolic agent with the ability to build bone mass. However, its inconvenient formulation and high cost of therapy has limited uptake.

Low awareness among patients and physicians regarding osteoporosis and its symptom manifestation is a major challenge in the market. Since osteoporosis symptoms are not easily recognizable until fractures have already occurred, millions suffering from the disease receive suboptimal treatment.

"In fact, less than 10 percent of the estimated 44 million Americans suffering from osteopenia and osteoporosis are diagnosed and treated," observes Rajan.

As competition stiffens, companies are realizing the importance of bridging the information gap through extensive sales and promotional campaigns that educate women and healthcare providers on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

U.S. Osteoporosis Therapeutics Markets, part of the Pharmaceuticals subscription, analyzes the U.S. market for non-hormonal prescription medications used to treat osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, SERMs, calcitonins, and PTHs. It discusses the market performance of existing drugs in each segment and evaluates the expected changes in market dynamics due to the introduction of new therapies. Interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. Its advisory expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities for clients. While serving clientele ranging from virtually every Global 1000 to emerging companies, Frost & Sullivan's comprehensive industry coverage includes a global perspective of all vertical and horizontal industries. Its unique coverage combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com

U.S. Osteoporosis Therapeutics Markets

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Keywords in this release: osteoporosis therapies, osteopenia, osteoporosis bisphosphonates, calcitonins, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Zometa, selective estrogen receptor modulators, SERMs, chemotherapy-induced menopause, anabolic agents, parathyroid hormones, PTHs, bone mineral density, BMD, antiresorptive therapies, Eli Lilly, Forteo, Medicare reforms, research, information, market, trends, technology, service, forecast, market share.