[Effects of zoledronic acid on osteoporosis patients in Japan.]

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate with the most potent anti-bone resorbing activity. Several previous studies demonstrated that zoledronic acid once a year significantly reduced the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral, and hip fractures in postmenopausal women. In a phase Ⅲ 2-year placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind comparative study in Japan(ZONE study)demonstrated that once-yearly infusion of zoledronic acid 5 mg increased lumbar spine and proximal femoral BMD, and reduced the incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in Japanese patients with primary osteoporosis compared to placebo.