A clinical trial which has recently been published has found that some osteoporosis treatments do not reduce fractures in adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) .
The TOPaZ trial, led by Professor Ralston, involved 350 adults across 27 UK and European centres and compared standard care with teriparatide followed by zoledronate. This is the first and largest trial in adults with OI. While the treatment improved bone density, it did not reduce fracture rates, including spinal fractures.
Trial Updates – Medical Advisory Board
The BBS Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the findings and confirmed they have important implications for those living with OI. They have produced a document detailing the new findings and what this means for both children and adults. You can download this document here.
Professor Stuart Ralston, who led the study, from the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Genetics and Cancer, said: “The results of this study will fundamentally change clinical practice with regard to the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta. We have been using drugs to increase bone density for decades in the hope that they might prevent fractures but the TOPAZ trial clearly shows that these medicines simply do not work in adults. We now need to focus efforts on finding new drugs that can target the defects in bone collagen to improve the strength of bone and reduce fracture risk in this rare but serious disease.”
Patricia Osborne, CEO of Brittle Bone Society Said – “We are proud to have supported the TOPaZ trial. The results have given patients and clinicians clear evidence to guide treatment decisions and highlights the importance of OI‑specific research. This study also shows the vital role that charity‑supported research plays in challenging assumptions and ensuring people with OI receive care based on robust evidence. By bringing together the largest group of adults with OI studied to date, TOPaZ sets a new benchmark and will directly influence how future trials are designed and delivered.”
More information about the Trial
BBS are in talks with Professor Ralston to help cover more aspects of these results, and he will be speaking at some of the Charity’s events in the near future. Look out for updates on this in the coming weeks.
You can read the University of Edinburgh’s press release on the TOPaZ results here.