Non-linear increase in vertebral density induced by a synthetic steroid (Org OD 14) in women with established osteoporosis

Abstract The results of a 2-year placebo-controlled study in 38 female patients with osteoporosis are presented. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a daily oral dose of 2.5 mg Org OD 14 ((7α,17α)-17-hydroxy-7-methyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-20-yn-3-one) in the treatment of established osteoporosis. Org OD 14 is a steroid which shows combined weak oestrogenic, androgenic and progestational activity. A total of 31 patients completed a 12-month study period (17 placebo. 14 Org OD 14) and 25 of these went on to complete the full 24-months (15 placebo, 10 Org OD 14). A significant increase in bone mineral density as measured by dual photon absorptiometry was recorded in the lumbar spine in the Org OD 14-treated patients at 8, 16 and 24 months. The gain in bone mass after 8 months averaged 4% ( P P