Eli Lilly has announced that it has discontinued trials for its experimental osteoperosis drug arzoxifene, due to side effects and the drug failing to meet clinical targets.
Although arzoxifene met the main goal of reducing the risk of vertebral fracture and invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, the drug did not prove to be effective against secondary efficacy endpoints, such as non-vertebral fractures, clinical vertebral fractures, cardiovascular events and cognitive function, compared to placebo.
Results also showed a higher rate of adverse events, such as blood clots, hot flushes and gynaecological-related events, in the treatment group.
Due to the cancellation of trials the company has also announced that it will no longer be seeking US approval for the product.
