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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (October 20, 2017) - Osteoporosis is a major public health concern which affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Every three seconds someone will break a bone due to osteoporosis. That's almost 9 million fractures per year. Despite this, only 20% of those who have experienced a fracture are identified and treated for this potentially life-altering disease. On World Osteoporosis Day 2017, UCB is supporting patients, carers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and the general public to help raise the profile of this silent disease, and make fracture prevention a global health priority.

Whilst our bones grow very quickly in size, density and strength through childhood, our bodies experience a progressive loss of bone mass in adulthood, leading to brittle bones and an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis literally translates to 'porous bone' and is a condition in which bones become more porous over time making them more likely to break. World Osteoporosis Day is a key date in the bone and musculoskeletal health community and an opportunity for people around the world to unite in raising awareness of the burden caused by osteoporosis and the actions that can be taken to protect bone health.

'Like many other chronic diseases, osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic until a fracture occurs - thus it's often referred to as a silent disease. It is estimated that one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis and for some this can result in chronic pain, disability and increased mortality. Despite this, many patients with osteoporosis go untreated and, consequently, remain at increased risk of a future fracture,' commented Dr. Pascale Richetta, Head of Bone and Executive Vice President at UCB. 'World Osteoporosis Day is an important reminder that there is still much that needs to be done to advance care and close this persistent 'care gap'. At UCB, we are incredibly proud to join the global osteoporosis community in raising awareness of this often life-changing disease.'

To mark World Osteoporosis Day 2017, the IOF has launched a Global Patient Charter calling for the right to timely and accurate assessment of fracture risk and diagnosis of osteoporosis, increased access to effective intervention options (treatment, lifestyle changes), and support from healthcare providers, to ensure that patients can live active and independent lives. To learn more about World Osteoporosis Day, sign the IOF Patient Charter and read the IOF's new Osteoporosis Compendium, which provides a comprehensive look at osteoporosis around the world, visit www.iofbonehealth.org.

Further information

Scott Fleming, Global Communications Lead, Bone, UCB

T +447702777378, scott.fleming@ucb.com

References

1. International Osteoporosis Foundation. The Global Burden of Osteoporosis: A Factsheet. Available at: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/data-publications/fact-sheets/global-burden-osteoporosis (last accessed Sept 2017).
2. Reginster JY, Burlet N. Osteoporosis: A still increasing prevalence. Bone. 2006 Feb;38 (2 Suppl 1):S4-9.
3. Ström O, Borgström F, Kanis JA, et al. Osteoporosis: burden, health care provision and opportunities in the EU: a report prepared in collaboration with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (EFPIA). Arch Osteoporos. 2011;6:59-155. doi: 10.1007/s11657-011-0060-1.
4. Nguyen TV, Center JR, Eisman JA (2004) Osteoporosis: underrated, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Med J Aust 180:S18.

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 7,500 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of € 4.2 billion in 2016. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news

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