Latest news with #osteoporosis
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Essex teen who cannot eat or drink wants to make the most of life
A teenager who has never been able to eat or drink due to a rare condition said she was determined to make the most of life, despite her health from Stanford-le-Hope in Essex, had her bowel removed as a child and is fed via a tube to a major artery near her 14-year-old was also recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, and now uses a wheelchair."I just try and have a positive attitude," she said. "Sometimes it gets me down when I'm in pain, but most of the time I try not to let it bother me." Isla's condition is so rare that it does not have a name. She has infusions into her bloodstream for 18 hours a teenager also has issues with her immune system, liver and kidneys and has contracted sepsis several was attending high school until last year when she got sepsis and has not yet been able to return. "It hasn't been easy. I was doing so well at school, but the sepsis was a major setback, and I haven't been well enough to go back," she said. Isla loves going to music concerts and is looking forward to learning to drive when she turns 16.A recent Tate McRae concert was one of the best nights of her life, she said, even though she ended up crying herself to sleep with back also managed to go on a cruise with her family this year, after a battle to get insurance, but was in excruciating pain with her back throughout it. Her mother, Ashlee, gave up her job as a support worker for adults with learning difficulties when Isla was a baby, so she could care for friend recently created a GoFundMe page, which has seen donations of more than £3,000 towards a specialist wheelchair, instead of her current basic NHS said she was "so grateful" and "overwhelmed" by the said: "I would love Isla to get a bespoke wheelchair, which could mean she can just feel like a normal teenage girl for a bit and give her some independence."Isla doesn't realise how amazing she is. She is exceptionally brave and resilient."I look at her and I just beam with pride. I don't know how someone can go through so much and be so caring and kind and happy." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Celltrion USA announces U.S. launch of denosumab biosimilars, STOBOCLO® and OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo)
STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) and OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo) are approved by FDA for all indications of PROLIA® (denosumab) and XGEVA® (denosumab) respectively[1],[2] STOBOCLO and OSENVELT, among the first wave of biosimilars referencing PROLIA and XGEVA respectively, are commercially available in the U.S. Celltrion further expands its portfolio, delivering cost-effective and high-quality biologic medicines to wider range of patients in the U.S. JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celltrion USA today announced that STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) and OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo), biosimilars referencing PROLIA® (denosumab) and XGEVA® (denosumab) respectively, are commercially available in the United States. STOBOCLO is available in 60 mg/mL injection and is approved to treat postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk for fracture, to increase bone mass in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer, and to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.[1] OSENVELT is available in 120 mg/1.7 mL (70 mg/mL) injection and is indicated to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors, to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumor of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy.[2] "We are pleased to have achieved a global settlement with Amgen regarding our denosumab biosimilars," said Thomas Nusbickel, Chief Commercial Officer at Celltrion USA. "We are proud to introduce our denosumab biosimilars to the U.S. market, offering patients and healthcare professionals a valuable alternative treatment option. Building on our strong heritage in biosimilars, Celltrion remains committed to being a trusted partner for both patients and physicians, while contributing to the overall sustainability of healthcare systems." STOBOCLO and OSENVELT are supported by Celltrion's comprehensive patient support programs designed to help empower patients to navigate their treatment journeys. Celltrion offers a suite of resources, including the Celltrion CONNECT® Patient Support Program and the Celltrion CARES™ Co-pay Assistance Program. Patients who are uninsured may be able to receive STOBOCLO and OSENVELT at no cost. Visit and to learn more. Celltrion's biosimilars portfolio covers the areas of immunology, oncology, gastroenterology, allergy, and endocrinology. About STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) is a receptor activator of NF-κb ligand (RANKL) inhibitor referencing PROLIA® (denosumab). STOBOCLO 60 mg/mL injection is approved by the FDA based on comprehensive data and clinical evidence confirming the therapeutic equivalence to PROLIA. In the U.S., STOBOCLO is approved to treat postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk for fracture, to increase bone mass in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer, and to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer. INDICATIONS STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) is a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor indicated for treatment: of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk for fracture to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving an adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: SEVERE HYPOCALCEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED KIDNEY DISEASE Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis, face a higher risk of severe hypocalcemia after denosumab administration, with reported cases leading to hospitalization, life-threatening events, and fatalities. The presence of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) markedly increases the risk of hypocalcemia in these patients Before starting STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) in advanced chronic kidney disease patients, assess for CKD-MBD. Treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider experienced in diagnosing and managing CKD-MBD. STOBOCLO is contraindicated in hypocalcemia, pregnant women, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to denosumab. Severe Hypocalcemia: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D; monitor for severe hypocalcemia. Drug Products with Same Active Ingredient: Do not use with other denosumab products. Hypersensitivity: If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant allergic reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy and discontinue further use of STOBOCLO. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ can occur in patients on STOBOCLO. Conduct oral exams before treatment; maintain oral hygiene; consider discontinuation of STOBOCLO if ONJ develops. Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures: Monitor for thigh, hip, or groin pain; evaluate for fractures. Interruption of STOBOCLO therapy should be considered, pending a benefit-risk assessment, on an individual basis. Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Discontinuation of Treatment: Increased risk post-discontinuation of denosumab; transition to alternative therapy if discontinuing STOBOCLO. Serious Infections: Higher risk in denosumab users; assess benefit-risk profile, especially in immunocompromised patients. Assess the benefit-risk profile before starting STOBOCLO and reconsider its use if serious infections develop. Dermatologic Adverse Reactions: Consider discontinuing STOBOCLO if severe dermatitis, eczema, or rashes occur. Musculoskeletal Pain: Consider discontinuation of STOBOCLO if severe pain develops. Bone Turnover Suppression: In clinical trials in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, denosumab significantly suppressed bone remodelling; patients should be monitored for these outcomes. Hypercalcemia in Pediatrics Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Not for pediatric use; hypercalcemia reported in patients osteogenesis imperfecta treated with denosumab products. Most common Adverse Reactions: In (>5%) of patients with: Postmenopausal osteoporosis were back pain, pain in extremity, hypercholesterolemia, musculoskeletal pain, and cystitis. Pancreatitis has been reported in clinical trials. Male osteoporosis were back pain, arthralgia, and nasopharyngitis. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (> 3%) were back pain, hypertension, bronchitis, and headache. Bone loss due to hormone ablation for cancer (≥ 10%) were arthralgia and back pain. Pain in extremity and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported in clinical trials. For more information, see Full Prescribing Information. About OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo) OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo) is a receptor activator of NF-κb ligand (RANKL) inhibitor referencing XGEVA® (denosumab). OSENVELT 120 mg/1.7 mL (70 mg/mL) injection is approved by the FDA based on a robust clinical trial and comprehensive data confirming the therapeutic equivalence to XGEVA. In the U.S., OSENVELT is indicated to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors, to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumor of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. INDICATION OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo) is indicated for: Prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. Treatment of adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumor of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity. Treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Contraindications: Patients with hypocalcemia or with known clinically significant hypersensitivity to denosumab products. Drug Products with Same Active Ingredient. Patients receiving OSENVELT should not receive other denosumab products concomitantly. Hypersensitivity. If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant allergic reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy and discontinue further use of OSENVELT. Hypocalcemia. Severe hypocalcemia can occur, and fatal cases have been reported. Monitor calcium levels and calcium and vitamin D intake. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ can occur in patients on OSENVELT. Conduct oral exams and appropriate preventive dentistry before and during treatment; maintain oral hygiene and avoid invasive dental procedures; consider discontinuation of OSENVELT if ONJ develops. Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures: Monitor for thigh, hip, or groin pain; evaluate for fractures. Interruption of OSENVELT therapy should be considered, pending a benefit-risk assessment, on an individual basis. Hypercalcemia Following Treatment Discontinuation in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone and in Patients with Growing Skeletons. Clinically significant hypercalcemia, potentially requiring hospitalization, can occur within a year after stopping denosumab in patients with giant cell tumor of bone or growing skeletons; monitor serum calcium and manage calcium and vitamin D needs post-discontinuation. Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Treatment Discontinuation. Increased risk post-discontinuation of denosumab; evaluate for risk for vertebral fractures after discontinuing OSENVELT. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Denosumab may cause fetal harm; verify pregnancy status before starting OSENVELT and advise effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose. Most common Adverse Reactions: Bone Metastasis from Solid Tumors (≥ 25%) were fatigue/asthenia, hypophosphatemia, and nausea. In patients (≥ 10%) with: Multiple Myeloma were diarrhea, nausea, anemia, back pain, thrombocytopenia, peripheral edema, hypocalcemia, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, and headache; Giant Cell Tumor of Bone were arthralgia, headache, nausea, back pain, fatigue, and pain in extremity. Hypercalcemia of Malignancy (> 20%) were nausea, dyspnea, decreased appetite, headache, peripheral edema, vomiting, anemia, constipation, and diarrhea. For more information, see Full Prescribing Information. About Celltrion, Inc. Celltrion is a leading biopharmaceutical company that specializes in researching, developing, manufacturing, marketing and sales of innovative therapeutics that improve people's lives worldwide. Celltrion is a pioneer in the biosimilar space, having launched the world's first monoclonal antibody biosimilar. Our global pharmaceutical portfolio addresses a range of therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, hematology, ophthalmology and endocrinology. Beyond biosimilar products, we are committed to advancing our pipeline with novel drugs to push the boundaries of scientific innovation and deliver quality medicines. For more information, please visit our website and stay updated with our latest news and events on our social media - LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook. About Celltrion USA Celltrion USA is Celltrion's U.S. subsidiary established in 2018. Headquartered in New Jersey, Celltrion USA is committed to expanding access to innovative biologics to improve care for U.S. patients. Celltrion's FDA-approved biosimilar products in immunology, oncology, hematology, and endocrinology include: INFLECTRA® (infliximab-dyyb), TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs), HERZUMA® (trastuzumab-pkrb), VEGZELMA® (bevacizumab-adcd), YUFLYMA®(adalimumab-aaty), AVTOZMA® (tocilizumab-anho), STEQEYMA® (Ustekinumab-stba) STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo), OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo), and OMLYCLO® (omalizumab-igec), as well as the novel biologic ZYMFENTRA® (infliximab-dyyb). Celltrion USA will continue to leverage Celltrion's unique heritage in biotechnology, supply chain excellence and best-in-class sales capabilities to improve access to high-quality biopharmaceuticals for U.S. patients. For more information, please visit and stay updated with our latest news and events on our social media - LinkedIn. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT Certain information set forth in this press release contains statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Celltrion, Inc. and its subsidiaries that may constitute forward-looking statements, under pertinent securities laws. These statements may be also identified by words such as "prepares", "hopes to", "upcoming", "plans to", "aims to", "to be launched", "is preparing", "once gained", "could", "with the aim of", "may", "once identified", "will", "working towards", "is due", "become available", "has potential to", the negative of these words or such other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In addition, our representatives may make oral forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of Celltrion, Inc. and its subsidiaries' management, of which many are beyond its control. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect to the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties associated with the company's business, including the risk factors disclosed in its Annual Report and/or Quarterly Reports, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such statements. Celltrion, Inc. and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. Trademarks STOBOCLO® and OSENVELT® are registered trademarks of Celltrion, and XGEVA® are registered trademarks of Amgen Inc. References [1] STOBOCLO U.S. prescribing information (2025) [2] OSENVELT U.S. prescribing information (2025) US-CT-P41-25-00006 For further information please contact:Andria Arenaaarena@ 516-578-0057 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Celltrion Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Medscape
07-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Exercise Adherence Support Boosts Vertebral Fracture Rehab
TOPLINE: A tailored exercise adherence intervention integrated into physiotherapy rehabilitation enhanced mobility outcomes in people with vertebral fragility fractures. At 12 months, participants who received adherence support demonstrated better functional mobility and exercise capacity than those who received standard rehabilitation. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial to evaluate whether adding a tailored, theory-driven adherence support intervention to a standard physiotherapy exercise programme improves outcomes in people with osteoporotic vertebral fragility fractures. They enrolled 126 participants (mean age, 72.7 years; 83% women) from eight hospitals in England and Wales, all of whom had at least one vertebral fragility fracture confirmed using radiography, X-ray, MRI, or DEXA; had experienced back pain in the past 12 months; and were able to walk 10 m independently. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group (n = 63 each), where both received progressive exercise rehabilitation including musculoskeletal assessments, treatment sessions, and a home exercise plan comprising strength, posture, and balance exercises over 4 months. The intervention group also received an integrated exercise adherence intervention that used a motivational interviewing approach with goal setting and three or more behaviour change techniques. The primary outcome was the Timed-Up and Go test at 12 months that assessed balance, lower limb function, functional mobility, and fall risk, whereas secondary outcomes included measures of physical functions and self-reported outcomes. TAKEAWAY: At the 12-month follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated a faster performance in the Timed-Up and Go test than the control group by 2.1 seconds (P < .01), which was clinically significant. In the 6-minute walk test that determines functional exercise capacity, the intervention group covered a significantly greater walking distance than the control group (mean difference, 24.5 m; P < .01). No significant differences were observed between groups in other outcome measures of physical functions including thoracic kyphosis, test of dynamic standing balance, and test of shoulder and back muscle endurance. No intervention-related serious adverse events or adverse events were reported in either group. IN PRACTICE: "The results of this study provide evidence that integrating tailored support for exercise behaviour throughout physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation for people with VFF [vertebral fragility fractures] can help to sustain effects and improve longer-term functional mobility outcomes," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Karen L. Barker, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Oxford, England. It was published online on June 30, 2025, in Osteoporosis International. LIMITATIONS: Physiotherapists and participants were necessarily aware of their allocated group. Physiotherapists had differing levels of knowledge and experience of using the motivational interviewing approach. DISCLOSURES: This study received support from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust. The authors reported no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
More than 100 NHS doctors warn Wes Streeting to honour promise to roll out screening clinics for osteoporosis - or risk thousands of preventable deaths
More than 100 leading NHS doctors have warned Health Secretary Wes Streeting that failing to honour his pre-Election commitment to urgently rollout screening clinics for osteoporosis risks causing thousands of preventable deaths. In a letter shared exclusively with The Mail on Sunday, the medics and healthcare workers say tens of thousands of people with the bone-thinning disease are 'slipping through the net' because of a postcode lottery of care – and 2,500 may have needlessly died in the last 12 months alone – because of a failure by the Government to prioritise tackling the crisis. Mr Streeting told this newspaper that one of his first acts in Government would be to publish a plan to rollout Fracture Liaison Services, or FLS, across all parts of the country. These vital services, which require no new equipment, represent a gold standard in the early diagnosis of the condition and would mean everyone over 50 who breaks a bone could be screened for the disease and given bone-preserving drugs – potentially saving thousands of people from serious injury, disability and an early death. But a year on from that promise, the Government now says FLS will not be available everywhere until 2030. The Government reiterated its commitment to funding the clinics in its 10-Year Health Plan, published on Thursday, but the doctors say any further delay will cause 'harm' to patients – and say officials have still failed to reveal how they plan to achieve the rollout. The doctors, part of the Royal Osteoporosis Society's clinical network who are backing the charity's campaign for universal FLS, wrote: 'Late diagnosis of osteoporosis leads to avoidable fractures, loss of independence, long-term disability and, in many cases, premature death. 'A properly functioning FLS catches patients after their first fracture, enabling early diagnosis and access to proven, cost-effective treatments. They are a classic example of driving the shift from sickness to prevention. 'However, the current postcode lottery for FLS provision means tens of thousands are slipping through the net. Each year that this remains unaddressed, an estimated 2,500 more people die following hip fractures that could have been prevented. 'Any delay in implementation of this important policy will cost lives.' Shadow Health Secretary Edward Argar also called on Mr Streeting to deliver his pledge 'right away, with no more delays'. Mr Argar said: 'I'm calling on the Health Secretary to set out an action plan with a clear timetable, starting now, for the roll-out of FLS to all areas, something which will not only help thousands of people with osteoporosis but will also be saving the NHS money within a few years.' Osteoporosis affects around 3.5million people in the UK and causes bones to thin and weaken, leading to fractures. Most people are only diagnosed after breaking several bones, but in hospitals which have FLS, patients attending with fractures can be screened for osteoporosis with a bone density test called a DEXA scan. Only half of NHS Trusts in England currently have FLS, and rolling it out is estimated to cost £30million. Osteoporosis-related fractures have cost the British economy more than £142million since last July. The Mail on Sunday has been running a War on Osteoporosis campaign to make FLS universal. Craig Jones, chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: 'This is a preventative model that's tried and tested, ready to go, and capable of delivering savings before the middle of this Parliament. 'We welcome inclusion in the 10 Year Plan and now call for a speedy implementation plan so we can protect patients and save lives.'
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
DR SARAH JARVIS: You pledged to act, Wes... yet 2,500 have died from this preventable problem while you've sat on your hands
I've lost count of the number of people – and it's usually women – who come to my clinic after having suffered several painful fractures. Some, in their 50s and otherwise in perfect health, have stumbled and injured a wrist or cracked a rib. For others it might be their third or fourth break in a matter of months, and they're coming to me wondering why. The stories are strikingly similar. They will have been to A&E multiple times over the years, or been suffering severe back pain. And all of this will have had a devastating impact on their mood, relationships, their ability to live their lives normally and, crucially, their ability to work. It's heart-breaking to see, and as a GP I know that these issues are a red flag for a common but horrendous condition which causes bones to thin and weaken – osteoporosis. When I refer them for a DEXA scan – a type of X-ray which measures the density of bone – lo and behold, they are finally diagnosed. But in some parts of the country just getting that appointment can take up to two years. For many of the 3.5 million people diagnosed with osteoporosis in the UK, it comes too late for treatment that can help protect against loss of bone density. Many end up suffering for years, in pain, becoming increasingly disabled and shuffling into an early grave. But on Thursday, when the Government published its Ten-Year Health Plan, there was no mention of osteoporosis. Other conditions, such as HIV, cancer and diabetes, got a mention. But not this one, which affects half of all women and one fifth of men. That is why, this weekend, more than 100 of my colleagues – NHS doctors and hospital workers – have written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting urging him to finally make good on his pre-election commitment to prioritise early diagnosis for osteoporosis by rolling out Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) across England. These screening clinics save lives by picking up the disease early, and prioritising people for safe, effective bone-sparing drugs. Right now, only half of England's NHS Trusts have one, leading to an unacceptable postcode lottery across the country and putting people at risk. As our letter reminds Mr Streeting, plugging those gaps where FLS is absent is crucial, because delay causes harm and costs lives. The late diagnosis of osteoporosis leads to avoidable fractures, loss of independence, long-term disability and, in many cases, premature death. In the past year alone, while Mr Streeting has sat on his hands, around 2,500 people have died due to preventable hip fractures alone. He has said the rollout will happen by 2030, but this delay could mean a further 12,500 deaths which FLS could have avoided. And there will have been 74,000 preventable fractures, including 31,000 life-threatening hip fractures, which will take up to 750,000 bed days. Those are beds the NHS sorely needs. That is unacceptable, not to mention unimaginably tragic for those needlessly affected. So while Mr Streeting might say in the Ten-Year Plan he is committed to prevention, when it comes to osteoporosis that couldn't be further from the truth. It's all the more baffling because rolling out FLS is an easy win. It would cost £30 million – 1.5 per cent of the £2 billion the NHS spends annually to treat hip fractures. But studies show that a single FLS covers its cost after just 18 to 24 months – and after that saves the NHS money by reducing the number of hospital beds required for fracture patients. And Mr Streeting knows all this. When he was in Opposition, he talked about it endlessly. After the Conservative government said it would roll out FLS, he criticised it for being too slow. Then, in May 2024, he promised that should Labour win the upcoming General Election, it would fully fund them. The following month, taking a more personal tone, he went further, telling this newspaper that it would be one of his first acts in Government because a close relative had broken a hip after becoming a victim of the postcode lottery for bone-density scans. But after Labour won the Election in July, it went quiet. To add insult to injury – quite literally – he was caught on video in January mocking charities for campaigning to improve the lives of patients, sarcastically singling out the Royal Osteoporosis Society as the 'worst offender' when it came to 'lobbying' the Government. Only in February did he finally say the FLS plan would be implemented 'by 2030', but it came with no indication as to how this would be achieved. Today, even after the Ten-Year Plan has been punished, that remains the case. This ongoing failure to drive this forward is a huge blow for those yet to be diagnosed with osteoporosis – they can get access to safe, effective medication only if they're diagnosed. I know this, unfortunately, from my own personal experience with this disease. In early 2023 I asked my GP for a DEXA scan after a friend fractured a wrist and hip playing tennis. I was found to have the bones of a 90-year-old, despite then being 60 (I'm now 62), and was diagnosed with the disease. And I know I was lucky. I got the right treatment to improve my bone density – and I've still never had a fracture. Without that early knowledge, I'd have likely suffered multiple breaks by now. Every day, every week, every month this Government delays rolling out FLS, more people suffer preventable injuries – an own goal, because it then costs them more to treat them. If you have a hip fracture, you're up to eight times more likely to die within three months, and three to four times more likely to die within a year. Three quarters of those who fracture a hip never have the same level of independence. The human misery this causes is horrendous. Yet FLS would save the NHS £440 million over five years and free up 36,000 hospital beds every winter. Quite simply, this isn't something that can wait. There is the political will, Mr Streeting, but we now need an urgent way forward.
