What is "romosozumab"

Romosozumab (AMG 785) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets sclerostin for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Romosozumab was originally discovered by Celltech (now owned by UCB). Celltech entered in a partnership with Amgen in 2002 for the product's development.

Romosozumab is of interest because of sclerostin's specificity to bone. Its use has increased bone growth in preclinical trials in osteoporotic rats and monkeys. In a Phase I study, a single dose of Romosozumab increased bone density in the hip and spine in healthy men and postmenopausal women and the drug was well tolerated. In a Phase II trial, one year of Romosozumab treatment in osteoporotic women increased bone density more than bisphosphonate and teriparatide treatment; it had mild injection side effects.

, Phase 3 clinical trials are recruiting patients.