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[xanadu]

http://www.suntimes....-kidmove17.html

An experimental treatment for bone-thinning osteoporosis appears to prevent spine and hip fractures even though it is given only once a year, eliminating the need for a strict daily pill regimen, preliminary data show.

Reclast, given as an annual, 15-minute infusion, reduced risk of new spine fractures by 70 percent and of hip fractures by 40 percent, according to data from maker Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. The drug, chemically known as zoledronic acid, also reduced the risk of fractures elsewhere, according to a just completed, international study of 7,736 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Side effects were generally minor and short-lived, said Novartis, of East Hanover, N.J.

Novartis plans to apply for U.S. approval to sell Reclast early next year.