National Osteoporosis Foundation and Curatio CME Institute LLC Announce New Multimedia Education Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2010) — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and Curatio CME LLC (Curatio) announced today plans to implement the second year of a new multimedia educational initiative for healthcare professionals on the management of patients who have or are at risk for osteoporosis. The aim of this initiative is to provide long-term continuing education through a network of activities provided over time to encourage clinician practice change. The educational activities will be developed to meet the current educational needs of healthcare professionals in endocrinology, rheumatology, obstetrics & gynecology, and primary care, who treat patients who have or are at risk for osteoporosis. This phase of activities is a continuation of a collaboration between NOF and Curatio started in 2009.

Recent estimates suggest that by 2025, both the number of fractures and the associated cost will increase by almost 50%. The high morbidity, mortality and economic cost associated with fractures due to osteoporosis are a continuing concern for NOF. There is also a growing concern regarding the under-treatment of patients with osteoporosis. Nearly 50% of adult patients who sustain fractures remain untreated with any prescription therapy. This educational initiative has been developed to change participant knowledge, competence and performance in managing patients who have or are at risk for osteoporosis - ultimately improving patient care.

"NOF is thrilled to continue to work with Curatio to provide this type of education for healthcare professionals. It is critical that the estimated 10 million individuals with osteoporosis and the 34 million individuals with low bone mass across the country are receiving the quality of care that they deserve," said Amy Porter, National Osteoporosis Foundation Executive Director and CEO. "Osteoporosis now causes an estimated two million fractures each year and often results in immobility, pain, placement in a nursing home, isolation and other health problems. These conditions and circumstances could largely be prevented through proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment," she continued.

"One of the challenges in the bone health field is the lack of recognition of osteoporosis as the major cause of fractures of the spine and hip in adults. Although we know that these fractures are important predictors of risk for more fractures, and that medication and other therapies can reduce the risk of additional fractures, very few patients are treated for the underlying disease. This is contributing to unnecessary suffering from fractures and their associated morbidity, mortality and impairment of quality of life," said Dr. Felicia Cosman, NOF Clinical Director. "That is why NOF is excited to partner with Curatio on this educational effort to engage healthcare professionals in recognizing the existence of underlying osteoporosis and treating patients who have already suffered a fracture. This endeavor will go a long way to improving the quality of life for those Americans affected by osteoporosis," she continued.

Activities included in this launch are Path of the Osteoporosis Patient, an interactive web-based activity presenting a real-life clinically challenging patient case with learning tracks for specialists and primary care providers; Epocrates MobileCME Articles, a free opt-in benefit for all Epocrates users allowing learners to receive MobileCME activities related to their specialty and Current Medical Evidence™, a print and online publication series including a pocket guide. The collaboration between NOF and Curatio also includes additional resources for OsteoporosisTX.com, an online resource for clinicians that offers easily accessible, up-to-date clinical information, creating a community of healthcare professionals that share clinical insights.

About National Osteoporosis Foundation

Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading consumer and community-focused health organization dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and broken bones, the promotion of strong bones for life and the reduction of human suffering through programs of public and clinician awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information, visit www.nof.orgor call 1 (800) 231-4222.

About Curatio CME Institute

Curatio CME Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The mission of Curatio is to deliver scientifically and medically sound, innovative, and compelling certified continuing medical education activities. By focusing on new and existing therapies and using innovative formats and methods, Curatio develops educational activities that significantly improve medical practice and thus ultimately improve patient care.