NUTLEY, NJ (August 2, 2004) – A study published in the August issue of the Journal of Bone Mineral Research showed that Boniva (ibandronate sodium) significantly reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures when given once-daily or intermittently after three years of treatment in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Roche and GlaxoSmithKline are co-developing the drug and do not intend to pursue approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the intermittent dosing regimen in this study. Roche, however, has submitted a supplemental new drug application for a once-monthly dosing formulation for Boniva in May 2004.

Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., based here, is the U.S. prescription drug unit of the Roche Group, a research-based health care enterprise. GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company.