Source: GlobalData
World Osteoporosis Day highlights need for comprehensive care strategies, says GlobalData
Posted in Pharma
Marking World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) brought worldwide attention to a crucial issue: the urgent need for robust osteoporosis screening and sustained care strategies to prevent fragility fractures. Under the theme “Say No to Fragile Bones,” it highlighted the gaps in diagnosis and treatment, stressing the importance of proactive approaches and structured care to mitigate rising fracture risks as global populations age, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Osteoporosis, often termed a “silent disease,” progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs, making it the primary cause of fragility fractures worldwide. With millions affected globally, osteoporosis results in weakened bone structure and increases fracture risk, particularly in the spine and hip.
Such fractures lead to extended recovery times, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life and placing strain on healthcare systems. As the global population ages, untreated osteoporosis will exert an even greater burden on health services, underscoring the need for preventive strategies and consistent patient management.
Sulayman Patel, MSci, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “World Osteoporosis Day 2024 pushes both the public and healthcare professionals to prioritize preventive measures. The IOF’s ‘5 Steps to Bone Health’ campaign emphasizes specific actions, including weight-bearing exercises, a nutrient-rich diet, and lifestyle adjustments. However, these guidelines must be coupled with systems that ensure early identification and consistent management of at-risk individuals to be effective.”
Research from GlobalData and expert interviews reveal significant under-treatment in osteoporosis care. A European key opinion leader (KOL) stated, “We are currently doing very bad, with few patients having osteoporosis that receive treatment. There is a tremendous gap between what should be done and what is currently done.”
This shortfall is especially pronounced in post-fracture care, where many patients are neither diagnosed nor treated for underlying osteoporosis. These gaps highlight the need for structured follow-up care and comprehensive treatment pathways.
Patel continues: “This gap presents an opportunity for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to drive advancements in diagnostic tools. Companies like Siemens Healthineers and ImageBiopsy Lab are already using machine learning technologies to enhance early detection. Wider adoption of these tools could lead to earlier diagnoses, minimizing healthcare costs associated with untreated osteoporosis.
Amid persistent unmet needs, Amgen’s Evenity addresses a critical gap by simultaneously promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption, offering a comprehensive approach to fracture prevention.
Patel concludes: “Moreover, structured programs like Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are essential for effective osteoporosis management. FLS provides post-fracture patients with critical assessments, medication, and lifestyle support to prevent future fractures. Yet FLS programs remain underutilized, particularly in regions with fragmented healthcare systems. World Osteoporosis Day highlights the need for a coordinated approach to osteoporosis care, spanning diagnosis and ongoing management, to ensure comprehensive support for all patients.”