Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Name:

E-mail:

Phone Number:

Zip Code:

Your Question:

Editor: Robert J. Binstock
Profession: Avandia Attorney

Category: Other Avandia News

New studies have demonstrated a possible link between the popular diabetes medication Avandia and osteoporosis. Scientists say that in laboratory studies of mice, rosiglitazone, sold as Avandia, disrupts the balance between osteoclasts, cells that are constantly destroying bone, and osteoblasts, cells that continuously lay down new bone. This balance is necessary for healthy and strong bones.

In mice researchers discovered a disparity between the function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, resulting in deterioration and thinning of the bones. When the genetic target of the drug was blocked osteoclasts failed to mature resulting in constantly increasing bone mass. The study suggests that prolonged use Avandia could significantly contribute to the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Scientists say that more research is needed to confirm these speculation but they are confident that if the results are confirmed other drugs can be produced to combat these effects.

Avandia has been at the center of controversy over the past several months after being linked to an increased risk of heart failure and heart attack. Avandia was recently hit with its second labeling change since July and with sales plummeting this news could deliver another harsh blow to both Avandia and pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline.