Urgent need for improved osteoporosis management to enhance patient outcomes: GlobalData – News Healthcare

Osteoporosis, characterized by bone mass reduction, poses challenges in early detection due to often painless fractures. According to GlobalData, a data and analytics company, experts highlight prolonged treatment regimens as a significant hurdle, necessitating comprehensive measures for patient education and adherence to improve healthcare delivery and patient well-being.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal condition characterized by diminished bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration, rendering individuals susceptible to bone fragility and fractures. Disease progression may precede fractures by years, with over two-thirds of vertebral fractures being painless, complicating early detection.

Symptoms may include back pain from fractured vertebrae, visible deformity, and stooped posture (kyphosis), impacting mobility and quality of life.

“The recent insights from key opinion leaders (KOLs) have highlighted drug adherence concerns. A European KOL, reflecting on crucial unmet needs in osteoporosis management, emphasized ‘serious compliance issues’ stemming from the disease’s long-term treatment nature. This prolonged regimen poses considerable burdens on patients and healthcare providers, potentially fueling misconceptions among patients about the need for treatment after extended therapy. This may exacerbate challenges already associated with drug compliance, such as constant administration of tablets or injections,” Sulayman Patel, MSci, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, said.

The approved osteoporosis medications are broadly categorized as antiresorptive and anabolic. Antiresorptive drugs like bisphosphonates, denosumab, and estrogen therapies slow bone resorption, preserving bone density and strength. Conversely, anabolic medications such as teriparatide stimulate bone formation, typically reserved for severe cases or patients unresponsive to antiresorptive agents.

Echoing similar concerns, a US KOL emphasized the widespread issue of low compliance, highlighting the need for comprehensive compliance measures within treatment programs. The US physician stated, ‘When you look at the broader landscape, most people are not on an osteoporotic drug product a year later. You need systematic approaches to deal with compliance and education, and that’s something that needs to be done by a physician extender.’

“GlobalData analysis indicates strong efforts are needed by pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers to address the compliance issues in osteoporosis management. By enhancing patient education and stressing the importance of treatment adherence, patient outcomes may be significantly improved, which in turn can alleviate pressure on public healthcare systems. Alongside setting up robust systems to monitor drug compliance, we can strive towards improved healthcare delivery and optimize the well-being of individuals living with osteoporosis,” Patel added.