Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Drug Treatment and In Vivo Imaging of Osteoblast-Osteoclast Interactions in a Medaka Fish Osteoporosis Model
Published on: January 1, 2017
Less frequent dosing of bisphosphonates in osteoporosis: focus on ibandronate
Christine Simonelli1, M Susan Burke
1Osteoporosis Service, HealthEast Clinics, Woodbury, MN 55125, USA. msciao@comcast.net
Background:
Bisphosphonates form the mainstay of treatment in osteoporosis; however, current adherence with therapy is inadequate. Problems with adherence are thought to be linked to several factors, including frequency of dosing and bisphosphonate-associated intolerability. For non adherent patients, less frequent dosing may be desirable, because the frequency with which strict and inconvenient dosing procedures must be followed is reduced.
Objectives:
A new nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, ibandronate, offers sustained efficacy, with an extended between-dose interval. The molecular characteristics of ibandronate that support extended dosing are described, and trial outcomes for oral and intravenous ibandronate are summarized, in the context of other available bisphosphonates, based on the results of a search of MEDLINE publications (January 1975-December 2005). Relevant safety issues are discussed.
Conclusion:
Awareness of the scientific basis, published trial findings, and clinical implications associated with a once-monthly bisphosphonate can guide treatment decisions and inform communications with patients.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Dosage Regimen: Fixed Dose
Fixed-dose regimens can be used for various routes of administration, including intravenous (IV) injections and oral medications. For IV administration, a predetermined amount of the drug is...
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Remodeling