Study Confirms Effectiveness of Amgen Osteoporosis Drug

Amgen Inc. and UCB Inc. have released results from their Phase III FRAME study of osteoporosis medication Romosozumab. The Thousand Oaks biotech along with the Belgium-based pharma company’s study involved more than 7,000 women with osteoporosis. Results showed a 73 to 75 percent reduction rate in vertebral fractures as well as a decrease in clinical fractures among those using the drug. Radius Health Inc. of Waltham, Mass. is currently developing a similar drug with both medications slated for European approval by the end of the year. Romosozumab is anticipated for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval at some point in 2017. Amgen shares closed up 47 cents, or less than 1 percent, to $173.85 on the Nasdaq.