An Investigation Into the Short Term Effect of APOMINE in Patients With Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass

Inclusion Criteria: A diagnosis of osteoporosis or low bone mass (T score < or = to -1). Female, 45 to 75 years old (inclusive). Postmenopausal (cessation of menses or oophorectomy) by at least 3 years. Bone mineral density: (BMD) at spine or hip >1 standard deviation below mean for young normals of same sex (T score < or = to -1). Adequate liver function as indicated by a total bilirubin, AST, and ALT being within institutional normal limits. Serum creatinine within institutional normal limits. Signed, written informed consent. Able to comply with study procedures and follow-up examinations. Ionized calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 must be within institutional normal limits. PTH must be within institutional normal limits. Exclusion Criteria: Known hypersensitivity to study drug or related compounds (e.g., bisphosphonates). Use of any drugs for treatment of osteoporosis in the previous 6 months (e.g., bisphosphonates, hormone-replacement therapy [HRT]). Any chronic or continued use of drugs that are known to affect bone metabolism (e.g., diuretics, glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives). Gallstone diagnosed within the past 5 years or a history of multiple gallstones. Previous significant gastrointestinal surgery (except appendectomy) or gastrointestinal disease. Abnormal thyroid function (by thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] assay, normal range 0.5-5.0 U/L). Secondary osteoporosis (e.g., steroid-induced) and/or any other disorder affecting calcium or mineral metabolism. Use of investigational agents within previous 30 days. Patients with existing heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, unstable angina, conduction delay). Patients taking calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, digitalis, or antihypertensive agents. Any other concurrent disease or condition that, in the judgment of the investigator, would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study.