I was able to reverse my osteoporosis thanks to this simple treatment. It's given me my life back... but this is the profoundly unfair reason it isn't being offered to other sufferers: RUTH SUNDERLAND

A new treatment for osteoporosis, romosozumab, has significantly improved the quality of life for one patient, Ruth Sunderland, allowing her to transition from a diagnosis of osteoporosis to osteopenia. However, access to this and other advanced therapies remains unequal, with men currently excluded from receiving romosozumab due to the parameters of initial clinical trials.

Unequal Access to Treatment

Sunderland’s positive experience with romosozumab, involving monthly injections followed by zoledronic acid infusions, highlights the potential of modern osteoporosis treatments. Despite this success, the drug is not approved for use in men because the pivotal trials were conducted exclusively on post-menopausal women. This restriction is viewed as discriminatory, particularly as osteoporosis affects a substantial number of men, and younger individuals may go undiagnosed or receive suboptimal care.

Did You Know? Stephen Robinson, a father of three from Yorkshire, suffered ten spinal fractures – one triggered by a sneeze – before receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

The Impact on Men

The lack of access to newer drugs disproportionately affects men, including those diagnosed at younger ages. Individuals like Stephen Robinson, who experienced ten spinal fractures before diagnosis, and broadcaster Iain Dale, who discovered his osteoporosis after a hip fracture, exemplify the devastating consequences of delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options. Men in their 30s and 40s have also faced lengthy diagnostic processes only to be denied access to the latest medications.

Broader Issues in Osteoporosis Care

The issue extends beyond gender-specific access. Sunderland has been advocating for an end to the “postcode lottery” surrounding Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) – specialist clinics that provide early diagnosis and preventative care. While Labour, the Tories, and Lib Dems committed to universal FLS coverage by 2030 before the 2024 election, a concrete, funded plan remains elusive. Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are further ahead in implementing universal coverage, but a nationwide service is still lacking.

Expert Insight: The exclusion of men from clinical trials for osteoporosis drugs underscores a historical bias in medical research, where women have often been the primary focus of studies related to bone health. This practice can lead to inequities in treatment access and highlights the need for more inclusive research protocols.

Sunderland engaged with Health Secretary Wes Streeting at the Labour conference, seeking clarification on the timeline for universal FLS implementation, but a definitive answer was not provided. This delay, coupled with the ongoing discrimination against men in accessing newer treatments, represents a significant failing in osteoporosis care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is romosozumab?

Romosozumab is a relatively new drug that helps rebuild bone and is considered a gold-standard treatment for osteoporosis.

Why are men currently unable to access romosozumab?

The key clinical trials for romosozumab were conducted exclusively in post-menopausal women, and therefore it cannot currently be prescribed for men.

What are Fracture Liaison Services (FLS)?

FLS are specialist clinics that diagnose osteoporosis early and work to prevent repeat fractures.

As research continues and awareness grows, how might we ensure equitable access to osteoporosis treatments for all individuals, regardless of gender or age?

I was able to reverse my osteoporosis thanks to this simple treatment. It’s given me my life back… but this is the profoundly unfair reason it isn’t being offered to other sufferers: RUTH SUNDERLAND