ROCHE/GLAXO OSTEOPOROSIS TREATMENT APPROVED IN SWITZERLAND

The Swiss authorities have approved Roche and GlaxoSmithKline's Bonviva for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, providing the foundations for approval in other countries. Bonviva (ibandronic acid), known as Boniva in the US, is the first and only once-monthly tablet for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The Swiss acceptance marks the first approval of Bonviva outside the US, where the product has received approval but has yet to be marketed. The companies were reportedly exploring different methods of dosage to improve convenience for users and are now seeking approval for an intravenous form of the drug in the US.

Pharmaceutical Business Review Online (http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/article_news.asp?guid=E3C4D3F3-38AF-4364-B611-4B1B0336D038)