Denosumab

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody for the treatment of osteoporosis, treatment-induced bone loss, bone metastases, and giant cell tumor of bone. It was developed by the biotechnology company Amgen.

In June 2010, denosumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in postmenopausal women with risk of osteoporosis under the trade name Prolia, and in November 2010, as Xgeva, for the prevention of skeleton-related events in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. Denosumab is the first RANKL inhibitor to be approved by the FDA.

Effectiveness

Denosumab is used for those with osteoporosis at high risk for fractures, bone loss due to certain medications, and in those with bone metastases.

Cancer

A 2012 meta analysis found that denosumab was better than placebo, zoledronic acid and pamidronate in reducing the risk of fractures in those with cancer.

Post-menopausal osteoporosis

In those with postmenopausal osteoporosis it decreases the risk of fractures but increases the risk of infection. A 2013 review concluded that it is a reasonable treatment for this condition.