Bone Resorption Inhibitor

Bisphosphonates (BPs), including minodronate, ibandronate, etc., are very effective inhibitors of bone resorption in vivo and in vitro. Minodronate monohydrate (1) is one of BPs.^1,2) These compounds are characterized by two C-P bonds which are located on the same carbon atom, i.e. geminal BPs, and have been used for many research studies regarding bone metabolism.^1,2)
According to differences in the side chain, BPs can be divided into two groups, non-nitrogen containing BPs (non-N-BPs) and nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs). 1 is a N-BP and is classified as a third-generation heterocyclic N-BP.^2,3) N-BPs inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase, a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, which affects cellular activity and survival.^1,2) Regarding inhibition of bone resorption, 1, as well as zoledronic acid, is more effective than other BPs.⁴⁾