Teriparatide
Also known as: Teriparatide, Forteo, PTH 1-34
Teriparatide is the recombinant N-terminal 1-34 fragment of human parathyroid hormone and an FDA-approved anabolic therapy for osteoporosis. It builds bone when given as a once-daily intermittent dose.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Teriparatide is the active 1-34 fragment of parathyroid hormone that binds the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts, activating cAMP/PKA and downstream signaling. Intermittent once-daily exposure preferentially stimulates osteoblast activity and survival over osteoclastic resorption, producing a net anabolic effect on bone. This contrasts with the catabolic outcome of continuously elevated PTH. The result is increased bone formation markers, improved trabecular microarchitecture, and greater bone mineral density.
- Half-life
- Approximately 1 hour after subcutaneous injection
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Clinical
Reported Benefits
- Increases bone mineral density in osteoporosis
- Stimulates new bone formation rather than only slowing loss
- Reduces vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk
- Improves trabecular bone microarchitecture
- Studied as an adjunct in fracture-healing research
Potential Side Effects
- Transient hypercalcemia
- Nausea and dizziness
- Orthostatic hypotension after dosing
- Leg cramps
- Injection-site reactions
Common Dosing
The approved clinical regimen is 20 mcg once daily by subcutaneous injection, typically limited to a defined treatment duration. Shared as research and reference information, not personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Pre-existing hypercalcemia
- Conditions with elevated osteosarcoma risk such as Paget disease or prior skeletal radiation
- Unexplained elevated alkaline phosphatase
- Open growth plates in young patients
No documented stacking partners for Teriparatide yet.
- View
Effect of parathyroid hormone (1-34) on fractures and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
2001
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Effects of teriparatide and risedronate on new fractures in post-menopausal women with severe osteoporosis (VERO): a multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised controlled trial
2018
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Teriparatide or alendronate in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
2007
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Teriparatide for acceleration of fracture repair in humans: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 102 postmenopausal women with distal radial fractures
2010