[Differences among bisfosfonates--specificity of risedronate (Actonel)].

Bisphosphonates, a gold standard in therapeutic options for the management of osteoporosis, inhibit bone resorption with relatively few side effects. As a result, they are widely used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. There are clear biochemical and pharmacological differences among bisfosfonates group. Risedronate has moderate mineral binding and has a higher inhibition of a key branch-point enzyme famesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) in the mevalonate pathway. Risedronate (Actonel) prevents vertebral and nonvertebral fractures as early as at 6 months of treatment. Clinical trials and observational trials have proved risk reduction of vertebral and hip fractures. Patients remarkably preferred therapy with a proven antifracture efficacy over a dosage frequency.