Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT: Teriparatide is a medication used for treating osteoporosis. A metabolic bone disease characterised by low bone density and deterioration of bone structure that increases the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis-related fractures can increase pain, disability, nursing home placement, total health care costs, and mineral density (BMD) using non-invasive dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. This is the first anabolic agent with a unique mechanism that increases bone formation. Osteoporosis is likely to rise with the increase in life expectancy of an ageing population first-line therapies for the treatment of osteoporosis are predominantly anti-resorptive. Daily subcutaneous injection for 6-24 months was effective in reducing vertebral and non-vertebral fracture, improving bone mineral density (BMD) and increasing bone formation rates in postmenopausal with osteoporosis similar benefits on bone mass and bone formation were seen in men with osteoporosis and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Teriparatide is generally well tolerated. The high treatment cost and inconvenient administration mode have limited its use to patients. Teriparatide treatment is currently restricted to a total lifetime treatment dose of 18 months of daily subcutaneous therapy due to concerns from animal studies suggesting an increased risk of osteosarcoma more safety data may permit a longer duration of treatment in future but will necessitate prolonged human studies. 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. Teriparatide is generally well tolerated and treatment compliance rates are favourable. However, current limitations on the length of treatment and the high sequestration 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.