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Convenience once - a- year osteoporosis treatment now available in CMC

Capitol Medical Center and Novartis Healthcare Philippines Inc. have forged a partnership in providing the hospitals’ patients with a break through osteoporosis drug that provides year-long protection against the bone-thinning disease with just one infusion. Capitol Medical Center (CMC), leading medical institution in Quezon City, recently established a Bone Competency Center (BCC) where patients can receive zoledronic acid (brand name Aclasta), the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved once-a-year osteoporosis treatment. Aclasta is distributed by Swiss leading healthcare company Novartis.

Noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mario Geronilla, head of the CMC Department of Surgery - Orthopedic Section, “A once-yearly osteoporosis treatment can help patients comply with treatment as well as cope with the high cost of medicines.” Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of anti-osteoporosis medicine called bisphosphonates which works to increase bone density. However, unlike other bisphosphonates which are taken in the form of a daily prill, zoledronic acid is given as a convenient once-yearly 15-minute infusion.
....Osteoporosis

“Patients have difficulty complying with oral bisphosphonate treatment,” noted by Dr. Geronilla. “For proper drug absorption, patients need to stand upright for at least 30 minutes after takig the pill - a significant drawback for elderly patients who need to be active to improve the condition of their bones and muscles.”

Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is prevalent among the elderly in the Philippines, many of who are menopausal women 50 years old and above acccording to Dr. Geronilla.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density (reduced amount of bone tissue) and fragile bones (weakened bone structure) leadaing to increased susceptibility to fractures, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist. Fractures, particularly of the hip, can be disabling and can cause enormous medical economic, and soical burdens, particularly among the elderly.

Dr. Geronilla believes that increasing public awareness on osteoporosis is crucial in the early detection of the disease among the elderly. CMC and Novartis has been actively promoting awarenes of osteoporosis prevention and treatment among the general public and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Thelma Navarrete-Clemente, CMC president and Chairman, noted that the setting up of the Bone Competence Center complements the availability of central densitometry at Capitol Medical Center and broadens the already comprehensive range of services offered by the hospital.