Patent Evaluation: NSAIDs as Bone Reabsorption Inhibitors

Summary

Novelty: The use of nabumetone as a calcium reabsorption agent is disclosed. Nabumetone is potentially useful for the propylaxis or treatment of osteoporosis, rickets and calcium depletion in females during pregnancy.

Biology: Calcium reabsorption was assessed in nine patients who were treated with nabumetone at 1g daily for two weeks. A reduction in urine calcium excretion was observed in all subjects, with an average reduction of 31% from doses of 365.8 mg/24 hours to 252 mg/24 hours. Results indicate that nabumetone may have a prophylactic role in hypercalcaemic patients with high bone turnover, ie osteoporosis.

Chemistry: 4-(6′-Methoxy-2′-naphthyl)butan-2-one (nabumetone) is a known compound and is prepared by conventional methods.

Structure: