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Spotlight on Teriparatide in Osteoporosis

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Abstract

Recombinant teriparatide (Forteo®; Forsteo®) is an anabolic (bone-forming) agent. Studies have shown that subcutaneous teriparatide 20 μg/day is effective in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, men with idiopathic or hypogonadal osteoporosis, and patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Teriparatide improves bone mineral density (BMD) and alters the levels of bone formation and resorption markers; histomorphometric studies have shown teriparatide-induced effects on bone structure, strength, and quality.

Subcutaneous teriparatide 20 μg/day administered over a treatment period of 11–21 months was effective in reducing the risk of fractures and improving BMD in men with idiopathic or hypogonadal osteoporosis, women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, and patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of teriparatide on vertebral fracture prevention and BMD appear to persist following treatment cessation. Teriparatide is generally well tolerated and treatment compliance rates are favorable. However, current limitations on the length of treatment and the high acquisition cost mean that teriparatide is best reserved for the treatment of patients with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture, or for patients with osteoporosis who have unsatisfactory responses to or intolerance of other osteoporosis therapies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wolters Kluwer Health ¦ Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Stephanie K.A. Blick, Sohita Dhillon & Susan J. Keam

  2. Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Stephanie K.A. Blick, Sohita Dhillon & Susan J. Keam

Authors
  1. Stephanie K.A. Blick
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  2. Sohita Dhillon
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  3. Susan J. Keam
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephanie K.A. Blick.

Additional information

Adapted and reproduced from Drugs 2008; 68 (18): 2709–2737. The full text article[1] was reviewed by: A. Anastasilakis, Department of Endocrinology, Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; M. Haas, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; M.P. Kane, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany, New York, USA; K. Klaushofer, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria; B. Obermayer-Pietsch, Internal Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; and J.F. Whitfield, Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the original article during the peer review process. Changes based on any comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit. The preparation of the original article and this spotlight was not supported by any external funding

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Blick, S.K., Dhillon, S. & Keam, S.J. Spotlight on Teriparatide in Osteoporosis. BioDrugs 23, 197–199 (2009). https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200923030-00006

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