Effects of D-003 (10 mg/day) on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded study.

Background/aims: Increased osteoclast activity is a pivotal finding in osteoporosis. This increase is mediated via the mevalonate-to-cholesterol pathway, which is involved in producing the intermediates required for osteoclast activity. D-003, a mixture of high molecular weight sugarcane wax acids, has been shown to inhibit cholesterol synthesis prior to mevalonate production, resulting in a reduction of bone loss and resorption in ovariectomized rats.