Comparative Antiresorptive Efficacy Discontinuation of Denosumab

Osteoporosis remains a significant healthcare burden for the United States. Current FDA-approved osteoporosis treatments include teriparatide, abaloparatide, bisphosphonates, denosumab, and raloxifene. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Denosumab potently suppresses osteoclastic activity but bone turnover rapidly normalizes and bone turnover marker levels can rebound above baseline levels after the drug is discontinued. This study will help us determine the optimal duration and relative efficacy of two oral antiresorptive medications that are FDA-approved for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (alendronate and raloxifene) in preventing the rebound increase in bone turnover that occurs after denosumab discontinuation.