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Updated: May 14, 2026
11:47
A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published on: June 8, 2014
Biomedical applications of bisphosphonates.
Elisabeth V Giger1, Bastien Castagner, Jean-Christophe Leroux
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
Summary
Bisphosphonates, used for bone diseases like osteoporosis, face challenges with low oral absorption. This review explores their pharmacological uses and novel biomedical applications, including drug delivery and implant stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bisphosphonates were discovered over 100 years ago and initially used industrially.
- Their pharmacological activity, linked to hydroxyapatite affinity, was discovered in the late 1960s.
- Bisphosphonates are crucial for treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacological and clinical applications of bisphosphonates.
- To highlight novel applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.
- To address challenges like low oral bioavailability and explore improved delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bisphosphonate research.
- Analysis of bisphosphonates' properties, including metal-chelating capabilities.
- Examination of various drug delivery systems for bisphosphonates.
Main Results:
- Bisphosphonates are effective treatments for osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and other bone disorders.
- Low oral bioavailability remains a significant challenge for bisphosphonate therapy.
- Novel applications include use in implants, nanoparticulates, and contrast agents due to metal-chelating properties.
Conclusions:
- Bisphosphonates have diverse and expanding applications beyond traditional bone disease treatment.
- Further research into delivery systems can enhance bisphosphonate efficacy and broaden their therapeutic potential.
- The unique properties of bisphosphonates offer significant opportunities in pharmaceutical and biomedical innovation.
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