Odanacatib
Encyclopedia
Odanacatib is an investigational treatment for osteoporosis
and bone metastasis. It is an inhibitor
of cathepsin K
, an enzyme
involved in bone resorption
.
It is being developed by Merck & Co.
, Merck is conducting phase III clinical trials.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced, bone microarchitecture is deteriorating, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered...
and bone metastasis. It is an inhibitor
Enzyme inhibitor
An enzyme inhibitor is a molecule that binds to enzymes and decreases their activity. Since blocking an enzyme's activity can kill a pathogen or correct a metabolic imbalance, many drugs are enzyme inhibitors. They are also used as herbicides and pesticides...
of cathepsin K
Cathepsin K
Cathepsin K, abbreviated CTSK, is an enzyme which in humans is encoded by the CTSK gene.- Function :The protein encoded by this gene is a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in bone remodeling and resorption...
, an enzyme
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process, called substrates, are converted into different molecules, called products. Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates...
involved in bone resorption
Bone resorption
Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood....
.
It is being developed by Merck & Co.
Merck & Co.
Merck & Co., Inc. , also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD outside the United States and Canada, is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The Merck headquarters is located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, an unincorporated area in Readington Township...
, Merck is conducting phase III clinical trials.