Xgeva, Amgen Inc.’s drug to retard bone loss in advanced cancer patients has received approval from the European Commission to be marketed in all 27 European Union states.

The Thousand Oaks biotech on Friday said that the approval is for Xgeva’s use to prevent fractures and bone loss in patients whose cancer has spread to their bones. The company received U.S. regulatory approval for that use last year.

Amgen also markets the drug, generically known as denosumab, under the name Prolia to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women.

“Xgeva promises to make a real difference for patients with cancer whose daily lives are affected by the consequences of bone metastases,” Dr. Willard H. Dere, Amgen senior vice president and international chief medical officer, said in a statement.

Shares closed down 63 cents, or 1 percent, to $55.05 on the Nasdaq.