What is "ibandronic acid"

n. A bisphosphonate drug used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Ibandronic acid ( INN) or ibandronate sodium ( USAN) is a potent bisphosphonate drug developed by Hoffman La Roche and used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis-associated skeletal fractures in people with cancer. It may also be used to treat hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels). Global sales in 2008 were 1.1B CHF ($1.0B USD at 01/01/2009 exchange rates).