GlaxoSmithKline expects osteoporosis drug approval

GlaxoSmithKline is expecting good news with the anticipated US approval of its osteoporosis drug Boniva, produced in partnership with Roche.

It is reported the two companies hope the once-a-month pill will score well over rivals.

Current medication on the market has to be taken weekly and on an empty stomach and patients also have to stand upright for 30-45 minutes after taking it.

Both problems are eradicated by the new Glaxo/Roche treatment.

According to the Daily Mail, analysts expect Boniva to achieve peak annual sales of €606m - though the osteoporosis market is worth €13.8bn in the US alone.

The US approval of Boniva would signal Glaxo's second major drugs success in as many days.

On Thursday the company revealed that a major study had found its asthma inhaler Advair was more effective than its closest competitor Symbicort, made by British rival AstraZeneca.

The news was a boost for Glaxo, which is facing competition from Symbicort when it launches in the US next year.

Glaxo's shares have been hit recently by its manufacturing problems in Puerto Rico, where the US FDA has swooped on the company's factory.

There are fears that if any major problems are uncovered the company will be hit with a major fine.