Which agent is administered once yearly to treat osteoporosis?

Zoledronic acid is administered once yearly for the treatment of osteoporosis, making it a convenient option for patients who may have difficulty adhering to more frequent dosing schedules. As a bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid works by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, thus helping to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures associated with osteoporosis.

This annual administration offers the advantage of simplifying treatment regimens, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who may forget to take medications regularly or those who are concerned about the potential side effects of daily or weekly dosing.

Other agents, such as abaloparatide and risedronate, have differing dosing schedules, with abaloparatide typically requiring daily injections and risedronate being taken daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the specific formulation chosen. Denosumab is associated with a different dosing interval as it requires subcutaneous injections every six months. Thus, among the options listed, zoledronic acid stands out for its annual administration, making it unique and effective for managing osteoporosis in eligible patients.