gallium nitrate

A hydrated nitrate salt of the group IIIa element gallium with potential use in the treatment of malignancy-associated hypercalcemia. Gallium nitrate localizes preferentially to areas of bone resorption and remodeling and inhibits osteoclast-mediated resorption by enhancing hydroxyapatite crystallization and reduction of bone mineral solubility. This agent also increases calcium and phosphorous deposition into bone and may increase collagen synthesis.