The clinical study, which included 1258 patients, showed a new dosage formulation of alendronate sodium taken once a week had an equivalent effect to alendronate sodium taken once a day in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in post-menopausal women. In the trial, the safety and tolerability profiles of the two dosing regimens of alendronate sodium were also similar. There were no statistically significant differences between the two dosing regimens in upper gastrointestinal (GI) adverse experiences.

"Once-weekly alendronate sodium formulation was shown to be therapeutically equivalent to the daily regimen, providing patients with the proven efficacy of alendronate sodium, good tolerability, and greater dosing convenience," explained Prof. Delmas, who directs basic and clinical research programs in the field of metabolic diseases with a special interest for osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease.

The dosing convenience was confirmed in a parallel study wherein patients were asked to take alendronate sodium using both dosage therapies. The study showed that the patients preferred to take the medication in the once-weekly dosing regimen. "This greater convenience of once-weekly alendronate sodium over the current regimen of daily therapy represents a major benefit to patients," says Prof. Delmas.

"For clinicians and patients, the attraction of once-weekly alendronate sodium therapy is the convenience, he said. "In osteoporosis, as in all chronic diseases, the challenge is to maintain patient compliance. Making the treatment more convenient makes it more likely that patients will continue their medication and therefore will get the maximum benefit from it."

To assist patients in following the dosing regimen for the once-weekly formulation, a patient-friendly blister package containing a two-week supply has been developed. Patients can select a day of the week that works best for them to take the once-weekly dose of alendronate sodium.