Alendronic acid is a bisphosphonate drug that prevents osteoclastic bone resorption which is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Alendronic acid is a second generation bisphosphonate that is used for the treatment of some forms of osteoperosis and Paget's disease.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Alendronic acid binds to bone hydroxyapatite. Bone resorption causes local acidification, releasing alendronic acid which is that taken into osteoclasts by fluid-phase endocytosis. Endocytic vesicles are acidified, releasing alendronic acid to the cytosol of osteoclasts where they induce apoptosis. Inhibition of osteoclasts results in decreased bone resorption which is shown through decreased urinary calcium, deoxypyridinoline and cross-linked N-telopeptidases of type I collagen.
- Primary indication
- Alendronic acid is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women, treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and Paget's disease of bone.Curator reviewed · 9 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C4H13NO7P2 · 249.096 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2004 · United States, 1995 · European Union, 2016
- Also known as
- ABDP · Alendronate
- Code names
- G 704650 · GTH 4 · L 670 · L 670452 · MK 217
- Brand names
Resolves to
OGSPWJRAVKPPFI-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESNCCCC(O)(P(O)(O)=O)P(O)(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 16, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Alendronic acid, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account