Osteoporosis video by Professor Compston

Munich, March 8th, 2009 – The clocks will soon be changing giving more daylight hours and further opportunity for women to help protect themselves from the risks associated with osteoporosis, according to a new campaign DAIICHI SANKYO has launched to coincide with International Women’s Day taking place March 8th, 2009. It aims to raise awareness among women of how to help prevent or manage the disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Most sufferers of osteoporosis – a bone disease – are female, and every woman in Europe has a 30% – 50% chance of suffering an osteoporotic fracture during her life.¹ Surprisingly, bone mineral density measurement is underutilised in majority of European countries. Reasons include limited availability of densitometers, restrictions in personnel permitted to perform scans, low awareness of usefulness of BMD testing, limited or nonexistent reimbursement.²

Exercising, calcium and vitamin D from the sunlight are crucial for bone health, according to Professor Juliet Compston, Chair of the European Union Osteoporosis Consultation Panel. “Only a few foods, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are a good source of vitamin D, however vitamin D is also made by your body after exposure to the sun. So take advantage of the time change and enjoy some exercise in those longer, warmer days” she said.

Calcium is the most important mineral for your bones and you should have 1,200mg of calcium per day. Not getting enough calcium is associated with low bone mass, rapid bone loss and high fracture rates. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese – especially the harder types of cheese; dark-green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli or spinach; fish - particularly the fatter species such as salmon; tofu; and almonds are all rich sources of calcium. ³

Professor Compston has contributed to this campaign by providing important and viable advice in the management of osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes can complement drug treatment for women already diagnosed with the disease and if adopted early reduce the risks associated with osteoporosis. The campaign forms part of the company’s commitment to taking a holistic approach to women’s health. “International Women’s Day celebrates women's achievements and aims to inspire them in the future. DAIICHI SANKYO hopes sharing its knowledge of fighting osteoporosis will empower women of all ages to take control of their bone health” said Reinhard Bauer, CEO of DAIICHI SANKYO EUROPE.

A vodcast by Professor Compston and an article are available on the International Women’s Day 2009 website giving information about osteoporosis and explaining how women of any age can adopt a healthy, “bone-friendly” lifestyle. This includes walking, playing tennis and other exercises that place weight on bones and can reduce the rate of bone loss. Women’s bones naturally thin after the menopause because they lose the protective effect of the sex hormone oestrogen. The article also recommends getting out-and-about in sunlight so the body can make more vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium – a key building block for strong bones.

Further information about osteoporosis can be found here: www.osteoporosis-disease.eu

<sup>References
1. Randell A, Sambrook PN, Nguyen TV, et al. (1995) Direct clinical and welfare costs of osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women. Osteoporos Int 5:427.
2. IOF (2001) Osteoporosis in the European Community: A Call to Action.
3. List of Calcium-rich foods</sup>

CONTACT
Dr. Iris Marr

International Brand Manager
Phone +49(0)89/78 08-807
iris.marr@daiichi-sankyo.eu

Olaf Lamberz
Corporate Communications

Phone +49(0)89/78 08-442

olaf.lamberz@daiichi-sankyo.eu

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