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Abstract:

Imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption constitutes a key mechanism of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture risk. The novelty of the recently developed strontium ranelate is that it addresses this remodelling imbalance, by inducing an uncoupling of formation and resorption within the bone remodelling cycle. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis have provided evidence that strontium ranelate effectively reduces vertebral and non-vertebral fracture risk. Treatment efficacy has been documented throughout a wide range of patient profiles, independently of age, degree of osteoporosis or number of prevalent fractures. This concise review discusses the clinical benefits and safety profile of strontium ranelate in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.