Last reviewed · How we verify
Zolendronic Acid
Zolendronic Acid is a Bisphosphonate Small molecule drug developed by Wales Cancer Trials Unit. It is currently FDA-approved for Hypercalcemia of malignancy, Bone metastases in solid tumors and multiple myeloma, Osteoporosis prevention in patients receiving aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. Also known as: Zoledronate, bisphosphonates.
Zoledronic acid inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by blocking farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway.
Zoledronic Acid is a small molecule used in the treatment of various conditions, including Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Breast Cancer, Hypercalcemia of Malignancy, and Metastatic Cancer. It has been studied in clinical trials as a potential treatment for Sickle Cell Disease, although one such trial was withdrawn due to unknown reasons.
At a glance
| Generic name | Zolendronic Acid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zoledronate, bisphosphonates |
| Sponsor | Wales Cancer Trials Unit |
| Drug class | Bisphosphonate |
| Target | Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology, Bone Metabolism |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As a bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid binds to hydroxyapatite in bone and is taken up by osteoclasts, where it inhibits farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, disrupting protein prenylation and leading to osteoclast apoptosis. This reduces bone turnover and resorption, making it effective for conditions characterized by excessive bone loss or osteolytic lesions.
Approved indications
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Bone metastases in solid tumors and multiple myeloma
- Osteoporosis prevention in patients receiving aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer
Common side effects
- Renal impairment
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
- Atypical femoral fractures
- Fever
- Myalgia/arthralgia
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- RANKL Inhibition to Combat Sarcopenia in Hip Fracture Patients (PHASE3)
- RANK-ligand Inhibition to Combat Sarcopenia with Underlying Osteoporosis (PHASE4)
- The Effect of Treatment With Teriparatide and Zoledronic Acid in Patients With Osteogenesis Imperfecta (PHASE2)
- Bisphosphonates for the Treatment of Seropositive Musculoskeletal Complaints (PHASE4)
- Zometa Study in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Letrozole vs. Letrozole Plus Zoledronic Acid as Endocrine Therapy Before Surgery in Postmenopausal Patients With Breast Cancer (PHASE4)
- ZoNantax - Zolendronic Acid as Neoadjuvant Therapy Plus Anthracycline and Taxane in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Zoledronic Acid and Positron Emission Tomography in Treating Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (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:
- Zolendronic Acid CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Zolendronic Acid updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Wales Cancer Trials Unit portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Zolendronic Acid
What is Zolendronic Acid?
How does Zolendronic Acid work?
What is Zolendronic Acid used for?
Who makes Zolendronic Acid?
Is Zolendronic Acid also known as anything else?
What drug class is Zolendronic Acid in?
What development phase is Zolendronic Acid in?
What are the side effects of Zolendronic Acid?
What does Zolendronic Acid target?
Related
- Drug class: All Bisphosphonate drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase
- Manufacturer: Wales Cancer Trials Unit — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Oncology, Bone Metabolism
- Indication: Drugs for Hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Indication: Drugs for Bone metastases in solid tumors and multiple myeloma
- Indication: Drugs for Osteoporosis prevention in patients receiving aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer
- Also known as: Zoledronate, bisphosphonates
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing