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Denosumab

The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), a protein expressed by osteoblastic cells, binds to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) and is the primary mediator of osteoclasts differentiation, activation and survival. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody (IgG2) that binds to RANKL with high affinity and specificity and blocks the interaction of RANKL with RANK, mimicking the endogenous antiosteoclastic effects of osteoprotegerin. In postmenopausal women with low bone mass, denosumab increased bone mineral density and decreased bone resorption. The changes in bone mineral density were statistically significant, compared to the placebo group, at the lumbar spine, total hip and the distal third of the radius (1). The antifracture efficacy of denosumab is to be demonstrated.

Reference

  1. McClung MR, Lewiecki EM, Cohen SB, Bolognese MA, Woodson GC, Moffett AH, Peacock M, Miller PD, Lederman SN, Chesnut CH, Lain D, Kivitz AJ, Holloway DL, Zhang C, Peterson MC, Bekker PJ, AMG 162 Bone Loss Study Group. N Engl J Med. 2006;354-821-31.
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