A novel zinc-strengthened calcium phosphate polycarboxylate cement modified with amino acid has been developed. Synthesis of glass fillers and monomers as well as polymers and formulation of the cements are described. The effects of silanization, sintering, glass composition, grafting ratio of the methacrylate groups, molecular weight, tartaric acid and polymer content on compressive strength and curing time were investigated. The results show that both silanization and sintering of glass improved compressive strength and extended curing time. An appropriate ratio balance between zinc oxide and hydroxyapatite and between polymer, comonomer and water gave the best mechanical performance. With increasing grafting ratio and molecular weight compressive strength increased. With increasing polymer content and tartaric acid the curing time increased. The curing time decreased with increasing grafting ratio and molecular weight. It is concluded that this experimental cement has shown great potential as a bioactive cement for dental and orthopedic applications, based on its inherent compositions and mechanical strengths.