WASHINGTON, March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), in a joint effort with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), released a report on new, innovative therapies being developed for the treatment of osteoporosis. The report, Medicines in Development for Osteoporosis, examines the nationwide effects of the disease and explores how new medications can improve and save lives.
Nearly 54 million of the 99 million Americans over age 50 in the United States have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone mass. As a result, many older Americans face a constant fear of fractures and loss of mobility. All too often, this becomes a reality with two million osteoporosis-related fractures reported each year. The annual cost of osteoporosis is currently estimated at $19 billion and is expected to rise to $25 billion by 2025.
"Today, we have a better understanding of the causes and impact of osteoporosis than ever before," said Robert F. Gagel M.D., President of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. "It is critical that we put our knowledge to work to develop further scientific advancements in both the detection and treatment of osteoporosis to bring an end to suffering from this debilitating condition."
"We are pleased to see that there continues to be progress made in the development of treatments for osteoporosis, but as our aging population continues to grow, there is more work to be done for patients," said Stephen J. Ubl, president and chief executive officer of PhRMA. "With three million bone fractures expected a year by 2025, biopharmaceutical companies are committed to advancing osteoporosis research and discovering new treatment options to help patients live longer, healthier lives."
It is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans had osteoporosis in 2010. If further efforts are not made to combat the incidence of this disease, by 2030, that number will likely increase to over 13 million. Combatting the increase is all the more critical since data show about 25 percent of those over 50 who suffer an osteoporosis-related hip fracture die within one year of the break.
"New treatments for osteoporosis give older Americans hope, not only of greater mobility, but also of greater longevity," said Gagel. "The medications being developed have the potential to save lives and reverse the course of this disease."
Osteoporosis patients often suffer from an imbalance between the reabsorption of old bone and the formation of new bone. Due to greater understanding of this imbalance and its causes, some of the medicines in the development pipeline employ novel approaches to correct this problem.
To read the full report, please visit http://onphr.ma/1oUWG9P.
About the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation's leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.
Contact: Claire Gill
(703) 647-3025
[email protected]
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SOURCE National Osteoporosis Foundation
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