The brand name for zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonic imidazol compound which inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption. Although its mechanisms of action is yet to be fully characterized, zoledronic acid appears to directly inhibit osteoclast function and trigger osteoclast apoptotic cell death, thereby decreasing the osteoclast stimulation and bone calcium loss induced by various tumor-associated cytokines. (NCI04)
