New weapon in osteoporosis battle

Women in Scotland at increased risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis have been given access to a new targeted treatment.

Prolia, also known as denosumab, is administered as an injection every six months to strengthen the bones. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has now recommended the drug for postmenopausal women who cannot use other treatments.

Professor Stuart Ralston, Arthritis Research UK professor of rheumatology at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Denosumab will provide us with an alterative option for these patients. It's a valuable new addition to the fight against osteoporosis."