Efficacy and safety of denosumab for the treatment of osteoporosis: A systematic review

Abstract

Denosumab is an anti-RANK ligand (RANKL) monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and prevention of skeletal metastasis complications. Administered subcutaneously every 6 months, it reduces the risk of vertebral fracture by 70% and of hip fracture by 40%. Its safety profile is acceptable. Denosumab may be used to treat patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency. It has anti-fracture activity equivalent to that of zoledronic acid, but no residual effect, and no action at all beyond 6 months. In France, denosumab is reimbursed as a second-line treatment after a first attempt with bisphosphonate.