Osteomark: A Breakthrough in Osteoporosis Monitoring

Strategic Insights -

Recent studies have solidified the importance of Osteomark, a noninvasive urine test that measures bone resorption, in monitoring patients with osteoporosis. Developed by Ostex International, Osteomark has been shown to be a specific and dynamic marker of bone loss, which can be used to identify individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis. The test has been successful in clinical trials, proving highly sensitive and reliable in monitoring bone turnover in patients receiving Fosamax, a nonhormonal treatment for osteoporosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Osteomark is the first commercially available test to specifically measure bone resorption, a key indicator of osteoporosis.
  • The test has been successful in clinical trials, demonstrating its ability to monitor bone turnover in patients receiving Fosamax.
  • Osteomark has been found to be highly sensitive and reliable in identifying individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis.
  • The test measures human bone resorption (loss) and received FDA clearance for U.S. marketing in May.
  • Elevated levels of bone loss can result in osteoporosis, a major worldwide disease.
  • Osteoporosis affects more than 25 million people in the United States, with 80% of those affected being women.
  • Direct and indirect expenditures for osteoporosis exceed $10 billion per year.
  • Merck & Co., Inc. and Ostex International are strategic partners, working together to increase patient and physician awareness of osteoporosis and the technologies involved in diagnosing and monitoring osteoporotic patients.

Statistics:

  • 25 million people in the United States are affected by osteoporosis, with 80% of those affected being women.
  • 40% of all women will have at least one spinal fracture by the age of 80.
  • One-third of all men will be affected by osteoporosis by the age of 75.
  • Direct and indirect expenditures for osteoporosis exceed $10 billion per year, with a rate of $27 million per day.
  • Osteomark has been found to decrease NTx levels by 65% in patients receiving Fosamax therapy.

Sources:

  • "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research"
  • "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"
  • Ostex International, Inc.
  • National Osteoporosis Foundation
  • Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK)
  • Ostex International (Nasdaq: OSTX)