Monthly ibandronate effective for osteoporosis

One year's worth of experience with monthly ibandronate for osteoporosis suggests that it is as safe and effective as daily dosing. The interim findings from the 2-year multicenter MOBILE (Monthly Oral Ibandronate in LadiEs) study were presented at the Sixth International Symposium on Osteoporosis: Current Status and Future Directions, sponsored by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Nearly 1,600 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are enrolled in the MOBILE study, a double-blind, phase III trial of ibandronate. Randomization was to four different regimens: 2.5 mg daily, 50-mg doses on two consecutive days (50/50), or monthly doses of 100 and 150 mg.

All of the monthly regimens were at least as effective as daily administration, but the 150-mg dosage produced the best response. Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) increased 4.9% in that group, compared to 4.3%, 4.1%, and 3.9% in the 50/50, 100-mg, and daily groups, respectively. Total hip BMD increased 3.1% in the 150-mg group, compared with 2.2%, 2.7%, and 2% in the other groups, respectively.

Bolognese MA, Civitelli R, Drezner M, et al. Monthly oral ibandronate, an effective and well-tolerated therapy for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO): MOBILE 1-year results. Presented Friday, April 8, 2005 at the 6th International Symposium on Osteoporosis: Current Status and Future Directions in Washington, D.C.