A Study to Examine the Effects of an Experimental Drug on Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (MK-0822-004)

This is a 1-year base study with a 1-year extension to examine the effects of a new experimental medication (odanacatib \[MK-0822\]) on postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study will enroll approximately 375 postmenopausal women, and randomly assign them to 4 different doses of odanacatib or to placebo. Measurements performed during the study include: bone mineral density scans, spine x-rays, laboratory blood and urine tests, height measurements and optional bone biopsies (at the end of 2 years).