Antifracture efficacy of strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Strontium ranelate is a bone-seeking element that has been assessed in postmenopausal osteoporosis in two large double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. This treatment is able to decrease the risk of vertebral fractures, by 38% over 3 years, and by 52% within the first year of treatment. Moreover, in postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis, the risk of having a first vertebral fracture is decreased by 48% after 3 years. The risk of nonvertebral fractures is decreased by 16%, and, in patients at high risk for such a fracture, the risk of hip fracture is decreased by 36% over 3 years. Recent 5-year data from these double-blind, placebo-controlled studies show that the antifracture efficacy is maintained over time. Current recommendations for therapeutic decision-making in osteoporosis are based on risk factor assessment; treatment efficacy with strontium ranelate has been documented across a wide range of patient profiles: age, bone mineral density, body mass index, as well as family history of osteoporosis and addiction to smoking are not determinants of antifracture efficacy. Strontium ranelate is an attractive treatment option across the postmenopausal osteoporosis continuum.