The in vitro evaluation of a new class of potential bone anabolic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis is described. These compounds are potent and selective ligands for the human prostaglandin F receptor (hFP receptor). The compounds lack the olefin unsaturation required for potency in the natural ligand PGF(2)(alpha) yet retain binding affinity for the hFP receptor in the nanomolar to micromolar range. Removal of the alkenes also results in a better selectivity ratio for the hFP receptor over the other prostaglandin receptors tested. A rationale for the selectivity differences of various analogues, based on ligand docking experiments to a putative hFP receptor model, is also described.