Parathyroid Hormone

The bone forming effects of the 1-34 fragment of parathyroïd hormone (teriparatide) have been known to exist for more than 70 years. However, it is only during the last decade that data have emerged that provide consistent and encouraging results in animals and humans. A multinational study on postmenopausal women with prior vertebral fractures demonstrates that teriparatide is useful in the management of osteoporosis. The results showed that the risk of vertebral fracture was reduced by 65% within 18 months of treatment. Nonvertebral fracture risk was reduced by 50% (1). Teriparatide increases bone mass and improves bone architecture.

Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-84) (PTH), subcutaneously injected at the daily dose of 100 µg reduced new vertebral fractures risk by 61 % after 18 months. In contrast to the study performed by Neer et al., only 18.6% postmenopausal women included had a prevalent fracture. However, non-vertebral fracture risk was not significantly reduced compared to placebo. Increases in bone mineral density were observed at the lumber spine, total hip, femoral neck and hip trochanter, while no effect was observed on the whole body and a significant decrease was recorded at the distal radius.

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