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Alendronate (ALN)
Alendronate (ALN) is a Bisphosphonate Small molecule drug developed by Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is currently FDA-approved for Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, Osteoporosis in men, Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Alendronate inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite on the bone surface and blocking farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway.
Alendronate is a medication used to treat conditions such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, low bone mineral density, and osteoporosis. It has also been studied for its potential use in chronic periodontitis, although the specific use of 1% Alendronate gel in combination with aloe vera gel is for treating furcation defects in chronic periodontitis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Alendronate (ALN) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| Drug class | Bisphosphonate |
| Target | Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS); hydroxyapatite |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Bone metabolism / Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As a bisphosphonate, alendronate is selectively taken up by osteoclasts during bone resorption. Once internalized, it inhibits farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, disrupting the prenylation of small GTPases required for osteoclast function and survival. This leads to decreased bone turnover and increased bone mineral density, making it effective for conditions characterized by excessive bone loss.
Approved indications
- Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Osteoporosis in men
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
- Paget's disease of bone
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain)
- Esophageal irritation / ulceration
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Headache
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (rare, high-dose/IV use)
- Atypical femoral fractures (rare, long-term use)
Key clinical trials
- Small Trial of Alendronate Impact on the Reservoir of HIV (PHASE2)
- Single or Repeat Zoledronate Versus Alendronate Following Denosumab (EUROpean Denosumab Effects Consolidation Study)
- Denosumab (DMAB) Discontinuation and Switching in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis (GIOP): a Pilot Study (PHASE4)
- A Single-blind RCT to Investigate the Effect of Alendronate on Knee Function Following ACLR (PHASE4)
- Romosozumab (AMG 785) in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mineral Density (PHASE2)
- Efficacy of Antiresorptive and Bone Forming Material on Dental Implants (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Local Host Modulating Agents Alendronate & Aloe Vera for Treatment of Furcation Defects in Chronic Periodontitis (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Comparison of Autologous PRF, 1% Alendronate and 1.2% Atorvastatin Gel in Chronic Periodontitis Treatment (PHASE2, PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Alendronate (ALN) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Alendronate (ALN) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Chinese University of Hong Kong portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Alendronate (ALN)
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Related
- Drug class: All Bisphosphonate drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS); hydroxyapatite
- Manufacturer: Chinese University of Hong Kong — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Bone metabolism / Rheumatology
- Indication: Drugs for Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Indication: Drugs for Osteoporosis in men
- Indication: Drugs for Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing