Long term studies are needed to determine how to optimize duration and frequency of drug administration and to determine how long changes last after drug administration ends. The studies originally sponsored by the drug companies focused on conditions such as osteoporosis that primarily affect older adults. Little attention was paid to long term side effects. Researchers who are familiar with osteogenesis imperfecta are posing a number of questions including the following. It seems that children and adults react differently to bisphosphonate therapy.
Adults seem to have fewer side effects to intravenous therapy.
Children seem to have more rapid changes in bone density. Various laboratory studies are in progress in which bisphosphonates are administered to mouse models to evaluate the effects on spine and long bone strength, fetal complications and long term effects. Dr. Cathleen Raggio, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, reported on her work with the oim mouse at the July 2000 National Conference. In addition, the Brittle mouse model developed at the NIH will also be treated with alendronate by Dr. Marini s group at the NIH to investigate the effects of the drug on bone with a typical OI mutation. Alendronate is also being studied as a treatment for older children.