FDA: Osteoporosis Drug Ingredient Linked to Cancer

The FDA is warning that there is a strong possibility that calcitonin salmon, an ingredient used in osteoporosis drugs, is linked to cancer. Calcitonin salmon is a man-made version of the hormone calcitonin, which is found in salmon.

Calcitonin-containing drugs include Novartis AG's Mialcalcin injection and nasal spray and Unigene Laboratories Inc's nasal spray. There are also generic products that contain calcitonin.

The FDA said that it has concerns over the risks versus the benefits of using the drugs to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. An advisory panel to the FDA is scheduled to discuss the matter on March 5 and will make a recommendation on whether to allow the products to continue to be marketed for the treatment of osteoporosis.

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