P&G announces FDA approval of new Actonel dosage

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Procter & Gamble’s once-a-month version of its postmenopausal osteoporosis drug Actonel 150 mgs.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes weak bones that are more likely to fracture over time. The drug was first approved by the FDA in 2000 and is now made in several doses including 5 mg, 35 mg and 75 mg strengths.

The brand product had annual sales of approximately $1 billion in the United States for the twelve months ended June 30, 2007, based on IMS sales data.