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Effervescent and buffered alendronate
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite in bone and blocking farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway.
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to hydroxyapatite in bone and blocking farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway. Used for Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, Osteoporosis in men, Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Effervescent and buffered alendronate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Aarhus University Hospital |
| Drug class | Bisphosphonate |
| Target | Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase; hydroxyapatite in bone |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Bone metabolism / Osteoporosis |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bisphosphonates like alendronate are taken up by osteoclasts during bone resorption and inhibit the enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, disrupting the mevalonate pathway essential for osteoclast function and survival. This leads to decreased bone turnover and increased bone mineral density. The effervescent and buffered formulation enhances gastrointestinal absorption and tolerability compared to standard alendronate.
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 or ulceration
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Headache
- Atypical femoral fractures (rare, long-term use)
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (rare)
Key clinical trials
- The Effect of Effervescent Alendronate on Bone Turnover (PHASE4)
- Effect of Alendronate 70mg Formulation on Bone Turnover Markers and Patient Reported Outcomes
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 |
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