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Wimalawansa SJ et al. - BMD changes did not substantially differ between postmenopausal women who received the dose of nitroglycerin tested, in comparison to a placebo. Once-daily dosing with 22.5 mg of transdermal-administered nitroglycerin was not effective (compliance adjusted dose was -16 mg/day).

Exclusive Author Commentary
Sunil J. Wimalawansam, MD, PhD, MBA, 08/02/09

This single center, three-year double-blind, randomized, clinical study in 188 early postmenopausal subjects, half received 22.5 mg of transdermal nitroglycerin (average dose ~16 mg/day) plus calcium plus vitamin D, while the control group received a placebo ointment, calcium and vitamin D. The primary endpoint, the lumbar spine BMD did not differ significant; under dosing of subjects was the primary reason for this. Taken together with other studies, we believe that higher dosages would not only preserve BMD, but may also improve fracture rates. If this is proven the case, nitric oxide donors are likely to be the most cost-effective therapy for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hence, new studies are warranted in this fires of research.