The bisphosphonate Risidronate is marketed under the brand name Actonel® by the drug manufacturers Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi-Aventis U.S. Actonel® received FDA approval in 1998.  Studies show that Actonel® has been most commonly administered orally to post-menopausal women or other individuals suffering from bone diseases such as osteoporosis, but has also been utilized in the treatment of bone metastasis in cancer patients. It has been reported that certain Actonel® users have experienced osteonecrosis of the jaw (most commonly known as ONJ or BONJ) and/or low-energy, bone fractures.

Currently, claims involving Actonel® are being managed in conjunction with the Fosamax® Multi-District Litigation in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The Stark & Stark Mass Tort/Pharmaceutical Litigation Team is currently involved in and investigating cases related to Actonel®.