Osteoporosis, characterized by bone mass reduction, poses challenges in early detection due to often painless fractures. As a result, addressing inconsistent drug compliance rates in osteoporosis management is imperative for enhancing patient outcomes. Experts highlight prolonged treatment regimens as a significant hurdle, necessitating comprehensive measures for patient education and adherence to improve healthcare delivery and patient wellbeing, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal condition characterized by diminished bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration, rendering individuals susceptible to bone fragility and fractures. Disease progression may precede fractures by years, with over two-thirds of vertebral fractures being painless, complicating early detection.

Symptoms may include back pain from fractured vertebrae, visible deformity, and stooped posture (kyphosis), impacting mobility and quality of life.

Sulayman Patel, MSci, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The recent insights from key opinion leaders (KOLs) have highlighted drug adherence concerns. A European KOL, reflecting on crucial unmet needs in osteoporosis management, emphasized ‘serious compliance issues’ stemming from the disease’s long-term treatment nature. This prolonged regimen poses considerable burdens on patients and healthcare providers, potentially fuelling misconceptions among patients about the treatment necessity after extended therapy. This may exacerbate challenges already associated with drug compliance, such as constant administration of tablets or injections.”

The approved osteoporosis medications are broadly categorized as antiresorptive and anabolic. Antiresorptive drugs like bisphosphonates, denosumab, and estrogen therapies slow bone resorption, preserving bone density and strength. Conversely, anabolic medications such as teriparatide stimulate bone formation, typically reserved for severe cases or patients unresponsive to antiresorptive agents.

Echoing similar concerns, a US KOL emphasized the widespread issue of low compliance, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive compliance measures within treatment programs. The US physician stated, ‘When you look at the broader landscape, most people are not on an osteoporotic product drug a year later. You need systematic approaches to deal with compliance and education, and that’s something that needs to be done by a physician extender.’

Patel concludes: “GlobalData analysis indicates strong efforts are needed by pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers to address the compliance issues in osteoporosis management. By enhancing patient education and stressing the importance of treatment adherence, patient outcomes may be significantly improved, which in turn can alleviate pressure on public healthcare systems. Alongside setting up robust systems to monitor drug compliance, we can strive towards improved healthcare delivery and optimize the wellbeing of individuals living with osteoporosis.”