The effects of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) on ectopic bone formation were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in an experimental system for ectopic bone formation induced by murine osteosarcoma-derived bone-inducing substance. At a low dose of EHDP (3 mg/kg per day i.p.), histologic sequelae of ectopic bone formation were normal, and the size of the induced bone mass was unaffected. At a high dose of EHDP (30 mg/kg per day i.p.), an unmineralized bone matrix with hematopoietic bone marrow was formed without evidence of retardation. This osteoid tissue showed no radiologic and histologic evidence of mineralization during the period of EHDP administration. When EHDP was withdrawn, its inhibitory effect on mineralization was reversed. The induced bone mass was almost the same size as that in controls. These results suggest that EHDP might not prevent ectopic bone matrix formation, but its mineralization and withdrawal of EHDP might lead to the formation of a normal bone similar in size to that formed without EHDP treatment.