Inventors:
Stavros C. Manolagas - Little Rock AR
Teresita Bellido - Little Rock AR
Assignee:
Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas - Little Rock AK
International Classification:
A61K 4900
US Classification:
424 92, 424 96, 436103, 436104, 436106, 436111, 436127, 514 75, 514102, 514114, 514141
Abstract:
The present invention is a method and composition to increase bone strength in a manner that decreases fracture incidence, which may or may not include increasing bone mineral density (âBMDâ). The invention includes administering an effective amount of a bisphosphonate to a host in need thereof to increase bone strength, which inhibits the apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes, without a significant effect on osteoclasts. In one embodiment, the bisphosphonate is not 1-amino-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)-propyliden-1,1-bisphosphonic acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt. An increase in osteoblast life span can lead to an increase in bone mass, i. e. , an anabolic effect. Preservation of osteocyte life span can increase bone strength, which may be disproportional to the increase in bone mass.