Ibandronate: a potent new bisphosphonate in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a serious, common skeletal disease. Oral bisphosphonates are among the most effective therapeutics available to manage this condition. Currently, bisphosphonates are administered orally either daily or once weekly. Less frequent dosing, while retaining efficacy, may provide greater convenience, thereby promoting long-term adherence to treatment and maximising therapeutic outcomes. Ibandronate is a highly potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that has been given orally or intravenously at variable dosing intervals for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Recent studies with oral ibandronate, given daily or intermittently with a between-dose interval longer than two months to women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, demonstrated significant and sustained antifracture efficacy. Additional studies showed that ibandronate given as a convenient intravenous injection every three months induces significant increases in bone mineral density and suppression of bone turnover. Ongoing studies aim to determine the optimal therapeutic regimen of this promising new bisphosphonate in clinical practice.