A new drug from Amgen Inc. that helps patients maintain bone density has shown that it also can reduce fractures, marking an important measure of the effectiveness of the drug. The drug, called denosumab, works differently from some other bone drugs on the market that are often used to treat bone loss. Drugs such as Fosamax work by encouraging the body to build more bone. Denosumab works by keeping the body from breaking down bone. Previous studies have shown that the drug achieves higher bone density in patients. But results released Monday, from a study of men with prostate cancer, are the first to show higher bone density translating into reduced fractures. For the full story visit http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/jul/15/amgen-excited-by-test-results/
