Genta’s oral gallium compounds are investigational agents undergoing testing to evaluate safety and efficacy in the treatment of various conditions associated with bone loss. Studies are currently planned to examine the potential role of these compounds in a variety of clinical indications.
Gallium-containing compounds are potent inhibitors of bone resorption. These agents target bone tissue and are actively incorporated into bone mineral at sites where bone is metabolically active.
Gallium reduces bone loss by inhibiting calcium resorption from bone. Preclinical evidence suggests that the mechanism of gallium action is multifactorial and different from other current therapies used to treat bone loss, such as estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), denosumab, calcitonin, or bisphosphonates (e.g., Zometa® or Fosamax®). Gallium preferentially accumulates in metabolically active regions of bone, inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and favorably alters bone mineral composition and properties.
