Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025
Drug Treatment and In Vivo Imaging of Osteoblast-Osteoclast Interactions in a Medaka Fish Osteoporosis Model
Published on: January 1, 2017
How Efficient are Alendronate-Nano/Biomaterial Combinations for Anti-Osteoporosis Therapy? An Evidence-Based Review
Joanna Klara1, Joanna Lewandowska-Łańcucka1
1Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, 30-387, Poland.
Abstract:
Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Because of the systemic nature of osteoporosis, the associated escalation in fracture risk affects virtually all skeletal sites. The problem is serious since it is estimated that more than 23 million men and women are at high risk of osteoporotic-like breakages in the European Union. Alendronate (ALN) is the most commonly prescribed oral nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (BP) for the prevention and the therapy of osteoporosis. This is also one of the most intensely studied drugs in this field. However, ALN is characterized by restricted oral absorption and bioavailability and simultaneously its administration has serious side-effects (jaw osteonecrosis, irritation of the gastrointestinal system, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, and cardiovascular risks). Therefore, delivery systems enabling controlled release and local action of this drug are of great interest, being widely researched and presented in the literature. In this review, we discuss the current trends in the design of various types of alendronate carriers. Our paper is focused on the most recent developments in the field of nano/biomaterials-based systems for ALN delivery, including nano/microformulations, synthetic/natural polymeric and inorganic materials, hydrogel-based materials, scaffolds, coated-like structures, as well as organic-inorganic hybrids. Topics related to the treatment of complex bone diseases including osteoporosis have been covered in several more general reviews; however, the systems for this particular drug have not yet been discussed in detail.
Insights
Alendronate (ALN) delivery systems are crucial for osteoporosis treatment due to poor oral absorption and side effects. This review details advanced nano/biomaterial carriers for improved ALN therapy and local action.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a major skeletal disease increasing fracture risk, affecting millions.
- Alendronate (ALN) is a primary treatment but suffers from poor bioavailability and side effects.
- Effective ALN delivery systems are needed for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current trends in designing alendronate carriers.
- To focus on recent developments in nano/biomaterials for ALN delivery.
- To provide a detailed discussion on ALN delivery systems, a topic not yet comprehensively covered.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in alendronate delivery systems.
- Focus on nano/biomaterial-based carriers.
- Categorization of systems including nano/microformulations, polymers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and hybrids.
Main Results:
- Diverse nano/biomaterial strategies are being explored for ALN delivery.
- Systems include polymeric, inorganic, hydrogel, scaffold, and hybrid organic-inorganic materials.
- Recent developments show promise for controlled release and local action of ALN.
Conclusions:
- Advanced delivery systems are essential to overcome ALN's limitations.
- Nano/biomaterials offer promising avenues for localized and controlled alendronate therapy.
- Further research into these systems can significantly improve osteoporosis management.
