Procter & Gamble's Didronate Therapy Gains Approval in Sweden

Strategic Insights -

Procter & Gamble's Didronate therapy has been approved by Swedish regulatory authorities for the treatment of established post-menopausal osteoporosis, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to combat a disease that affects 200 million women worldwide. This approval brings the total number of countries where Didronate therapy is available to 13, with P&G pursuing additional approvals in the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. "Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that robs women of their bone mass, cripples them, breaks their health, and in some cases, threatens their lives," said Thomas A. Moore, president of P&G's health care business. "With Didronate, many women are fighting back and experiencing a reversal of bone loss and strengthening of bones, reducing the risk of painful fractures."

Key Takeaways:

  • Didronate therapy has been approved in 13 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, and Sweden.
  • P&G is pursuing additional approvals in the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan.
  • Osteoporosis affects 200 million women worldwide and is a major health problem.
  • Didronate therapy consists of repeated cycles of etidronate disodium, followed by calcium carbonate, and has been shown to reverse bone loss and strengthen bones.
  • P&G's research program is focused on developing new therapies for bone health, with one promising new therapy under development being risedronate.
  • P&G is building a major research and development facility in Ohio to fuel and accelerate its growth in health care.
  • The initial phase of the facility will cover 1.3 million square feet and cost $280 million.

Statistics:

  • 200 million: The estimated number of women affected by osteoporosis worldwide.
  • 13: The number of countries where Didronate therapy is currently approved.
  • $280 million: The cost of the initial phase of P&G's new research and development facility in Ohio.
  • 1.3 million square feet: The size of the initial phase of P&G's new research and development facility in Ohio.
  • 60: The number of countries where P&G makes and markets both prescription and over-the-counter products.
  • 20 miles: The distance north of Cincinnati where P&G is building its new research and development facility.

Sources:

  • Procter & Gamble Company
  • United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • February 23, 1995 /PRNewswire/