The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has given its approval of Bonviva (ibandronic acid) for the use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of osteoporosis. The body stated that the once a month treatment was found "to significantly reduce the risk of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women".

The SMC move has been welcomed by the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) in Scotland that said the decision now widens the range of osteoporosis treatments available. NOS development manager for Scotland Anne Simpson said: "For women living in fear of breaking bones and those already coping with the debilitating consequences of fracture, another effective treatment option, with a more flexible dosing regimen that is easy to take and well tolerated, offers hope for a brighter future and a better quality of life."

The SMC exists to advise NHS Boards and Area Drug and Therapeutic Committees (ADTCs) in Scotland about the use of all newly licensed medicines, new formulations of existing medicines and major new indications for established products. It carries out this function after drugs are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA).