New development in bisphosphonate treatment. Review of effect on bone metabolism by minodronic acid in primary osteoporosis

Minodronic acid hydrate is a novel bisphosphonate with stronger anti-resorptive effects, compared to the other existing bisphosphonates. We performed additional analyses of phase III clinical trial and compared the effect of minodronic acid hydrate on bone turnover markers with those of alendronate in primary osteoporosis. The results showed that minodronic acid hydrate suppressed bone turnover early after treatment, and it also was effective in the treatment of patients with prevalent vertebral fracture, which is a high risk for subsequent fracture.