Zoledronic Acid Relieves Knee OA Pain and Shrinks Bone Marrow Lesions

The Food and Drug Administration has approved zoledronic acid under a number of brand names to prevent or treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women or patients who are at risk for osteoporosis because they are taking or have taken corticosteroid therapy; to manage Paget disease; and to prevent chemotherapy-induced bone fractures or fractures in patients with multiple myeloma or cancer that has metastasized to the bones from other locations.

The study was funded by Novartis, which markets zoledronic acid (Reclast). Dr. Jones and Dr. Conaghan said that they had no disclosures.

*Correction, 6/6/2011: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Dr. Jones had no disclosures. Dr. Jones has received speaker fees, travel sponsorship, and research support from Novartis and from several other drug companies.