Teriparatide
Recombinant PTH 1-34 for severe osteoporosis.
What it is
Teriparatide (Forteo, Bonsity) is a synthetic version of the active fragment of parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). It was FDA-approved in 2002 as the first anabolic osteoporosis agent. Like abaloparatide, it is limited to 2 years total lifetime use.
Mechanism of action
PTH receptor agonism stimulates osteoblast activity and bone formation. Daily subcutaneous administration provides intermittent PTH receptor stimulation that produces anabolic effects on bone (in contrast to chronic continuous PTH elevation, which paradoxically increases bone resorption — the basis for hyperparathyroidism’s effects on bone).
Approved indications
- Severe postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Severe primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis in men
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Why this is out of scope at The Tide
Same reasoning as abaloparatide — severe osteoporosis with high fracture risk is appropriately managed by endocrinology, rheumatology, or primary care with osteoporosis expertise. The Tide does not provide osteoporosis management.
Where to learn more
Endocrinology, rheumatology, or primary care with osteoporosis expertise.