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ZA
ZA is a bisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption by suppressing osteoclast activity and promoting osteoclast apoptosis.
ZA is a bisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption by suppressing osteoclast activity and promoting osteoclast apoptosis. Used for Multiple myeloma with bone disease, Metastatic bone disease in solid tumors, Hypercalcemia of malignancy.
At a glance
| Generic name | ZA |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zometa® |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Bisphosphonate |
| Target | Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (indirect); hydroxyapatite in bone (binding site) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology, Bone Metabolism |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bisphosphonates like zoledronic acid (ZA) bind to hydroxyapatite in bone and are internalized by osteoclasts during bone resorption. Once inside osteoclasts, they inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway, disrupting the prenylation of small GTPases essential for osteoclast function and survival. This leads to osteoclast apoptosis and reduced bone turnover.
Approved indications
- Multiple myeloma with bone disease
- Metastatic bone disease in solid tumors
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Osteoporosis
Common side effects
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
- Renal impairment
- Hypocalcemia
- Fever
- Myalgia/arthralgia
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Injectable Hyaluronic Acid (HYADENT BG (HA)) on Bone Healing in Extraction Sockets (NA)
- FARE Augmentation of Proximal Femoral Fractures With CaS/HA and Systemic ZA (PHASE4)
- Anti-Osteoclast Therapy as Neoadjuvant in Treatment of Chondrosarcoma - Phase 1b Trial (PHASE1)
- TAME: A Pilot Study of Weekly Paclitaxel, Bevacizumab, and Tumor Associated Macrophage Targeted Therapy (Zoledronic Acid) in Women With Recurrent, Platinum-resistant, Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube or Primary Peritoneal Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Investigation of the Acute Effects of Nepalese Pepper Extract (Zanthoxylum Armatum DC) on Cognitive Function, Mood and Gaming Performance in Young, Healthy, Competitive Gamers (NA)
- Metronomic Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumor With Bone Metastasis and Advanced Pretreated Osteosarcoma (PHASE1)
- Efficacy of Lipid-containing Artificial Tears in the Treatment of Dry Eye (NA)
- Trial of Parkinson's And Zoledronic Acid (PHASE4)
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:
- ZA CI brief — competitive landscape report
- ZA updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI