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Alendronate and Zoledronate
Bisphosphonates that inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite on bone surfaces and reducing osteoclast activity.
Bisphosphonates that inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite on bone surfaces and reducing osteoclast activity. Used for Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, Osteoporosis in men, Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Alendronate and Zoledronate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital |
| Drug class | Bisphosphonate |
| Target | Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (mevalonate pathway); hydroxyapatite binding |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Bone metabolism / Osteoporosis |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Alendronate and zoledronate are nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates that accumulate in bone and inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway of osteoclasts, leading to osteoclast apoptosis and reduced bone turnover. This mechanism decreases bone resorption and increases bone mineral density, making them effective for treating osteoporosis and other bone loss conditions.
Approved indications
- Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Osteoporosis in men
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
- Paget's disease of bone
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy
Common side effects
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
- Atypical femoral fractures
- Esophageal irritation / ulceration
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Hypocalcemia
- Acute phase reaction (fever, myalgia, arthralgia)
Key clinical trials
- The Optimal Sequential Therapy After Long Term Denosumab Treatment (PHASE4)
- 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)
- Denosumab Safety Assessment in Multiple Observational Databases
- Effects of Zoledronic Acid Versus Alendronate on Bone Loss After Kidney and Kidney/Pancreas Transplants (NA)
- Post-fracture Medication and Mortality
- Biomarker Identification in Orthopaedic & Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Subjects to Identify Risks of Bisphosphonate Use
- Romosozumab (AMG 785) in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mineral Density (PHASE2)
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 and Zoledronate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Alendronate and Zoledronate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Taiwan University Hospital portfolio CI