Teriparatide
approvedAlso known as: Forteo, PTH(1-34)
**Mechanism of Action** Teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone [1-34]) exerts its effects through intermittent activation of the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts. Unlike continuous PTH exposure, which promotes bone resorption, daily subcutaneous administration stimulates osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and activity, leading to net bone formation. This anabolic action increases trabecular connectivity and cortical thickness, particularly at the spine and hip. **Key Research Findings** Clinical trials (e.g., the Fracture Prevention Trial) demonstrated that teriparatide reduces vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD) increases of 9–13% at the lumbar spine and 3–6% at the femoral neck were observed over 18–24 months. Studies also show efficacy in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and hypogonadal men. Duration of therapy is limited to 24 months due to a dose-dependent risk of osteosarcoma in rat models, though human data have not confirmed this association. **Clinical Relevance** Teriparatide is indicated for patients with very high fracture risk, including those with T-scores ≤ -3.5, prior fragility fractures, or failure/intolerance to antiresorptive therapy. It is typically followed by an antiresorptive agent (e.g., bisphosphonate) to maintain gained BMD. Contraindications include Paget disease, prior radiation therapy, and unexplained hypercalcemia. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
C181H291N55O51S2Research & studies
Abaloparatide showed advantage over teriparatide for non-vertebral fractures (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80-0.95) and hip fractures (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71-0.93).; Teriparatide and abaloparatide were superior to placebo, raloxifene, and calcitonin in reducing vertebral fracture; teriparatide was also superior to denosumab and risedronate.; For non-vertebral fracture, abaloparatide was better than any other treatment, while teriparatide was only superior to alendronate or placebo.; Both agents had acceptable safety profiles with no increased cardiovascular risk compared to other osteoporosis treatments.
Teriparatide significantly decreased fracture risk versus bisphosphonates (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.51-0.74).; Denosumab showed no significant benefit in fracture reduction compared to bisphosphonates (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.62-1.57).; Both teriparatide and denosumab significantly improved femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine bone mineral density versus bisphosphonates.; Neither teriparatide nor denosumab increased the incidence of adverse events compared to bisphosphonates.
Frequently asked questions
What is Teriparatide?
**Mechanism of Action** Teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone [1-34]) exerts its effects through intermittent activation of the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts. Unlike continuous PTH exposure, which promotes bone resorption, daily subcutaneous administration stimulates osteoblast proliferation, differentiati
How does Teriparatide work?
Recombinant PTH(1-34) that, given intermittently, stimulates osteoblastic bone formation; approved for severe osteoporosis.
What is the research status of Teriparatide?
Teriparatide is currently classified as approved, with 2,963 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the molecular weight of Teriparatide?
Teriparatide has a molecular weight of approximately 4118 g/mol (formula C181H291N55O51S2).
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