Risedronate

Risedronate is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate derivative. Risedronate selectively binds to hydroxyapatite on the bone surface, especially at sites of active bone resorption. When osteoclasts resorb bone, risedronate is taken up into the cells along with the bone matrix. Inside osteoclasts, risedronate inhibits farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase and blocks the production of intermediates required for prenylation. When small GTP-binding proteins such as Ras, Rho, and Rab cannot undergo prenylation, multiple osteoclast metabolic processes are suppressed, ultimately leading to osteoclast apoptosis.