The sodium salt of ibadronic acid, a synthetic nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate. Ibandronic acid inhibits farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, resulting in a reduction in geranylgeranyl GTPase signaling proteins and apoptosis of osteoclasts. This agent increases bone mineral density, decreases bone remodeling, inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and reduces metastases-related and corticosteroid-related bone pain.