NCIt definition : A synthetic therapeutic diphosphonate analogue of endogenous pyrophosphate. As a member
of the family of drugs known as bisphosphonates, etidronate disodium differs from
endogenous pyrophosphate in its resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. This agent adsorbs
to hydroxyapatite cells and reduces the number of osteoclasts, thereby inhibiting
abnormal bone resorption. Etidronate may also directly stimulate bone formation by
osteoblasts. (NCI04);