Alendronate was created by the Italian company Instituto Gentili. It was marketed in Italy in 1993 under the trade name Alendros and in the United States in 1995 under the name Fosamax for the treatment of osteoporosis and osteitis deformans. In May 1997, the FDA again approved its expanded indications for preventing osteoporosis and preventing fractures, becoming the first non-hormonal drug approved by the FDA for the prevention of osteoporosis. Alendronate sodium has an effect on bone growth. Its effects are similar to estrogen and better than calcitonin. It can significantly increase bone density and reduce the incidence of fractures. It is effective when taken orally, has long-lasting effects, is well tolerated and has high safety.
Alendronate sodium among bisphosphonates is one of the products that performs well in the global market. After sales exceeded 1 billion US dollars in 1999, its performance increased steadily. In 2000, the FDA approved additional treatment for men. Osteoporosis in the elderly has also promoted the popularity of products. In 2002, Fosamax ranked 18th among the world's best-selling drugs, with sales of US$2.25 billion. Global sales in 2005 reached US$3.2 billion. As the patent of this product is about to expire internationally, this product will continue to grow, but its share will decrease. However, domestically, it is a product in the growth period and should have good profit margins.