Novartis' Reclast gets FDA blessing

Score one for Novartis. Its once-yearly treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis, Reclast, now has the FDA's blessing. Already approved in the U.S. and E.U. for treatment of Paget's bone disease, the drug is expected to win approval in Europe within three months.

It's a big deal for the drug maker: Analysts expect sales of Reclast to reach $1 billion in sales. As a once-yearly treatment, it doesn't have to be taken every day as other osteoporosis remedies do, and a three-year trial showed a 70 percent decrease in certain types of fractures due to the disease. With the Baby Boom in menopausal territory, the drug has a huge potential market. 

- see this press release
- read the AFX report for more 

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