The drug Reclast has just been approved by the FDA for a new purpose: the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Specifically, patients expected to be on glucocorticoids, or steroids, for at least 12 months can now use it.
During the trial, Reclast improved bone mineral density in patients who were on glucocorticoids for at least a year. Glucorticoids are widely used to treat inflammatory conditions, but can increase the risk of fractures if used on a long-term basis.
This is the fourth approved usage for the drug. It was first approved to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis is 2007 and has since been approved for patients at high risk for fractures or who suffer from Paget’s disease.