Calcitonin Salmon

Peptide

Calcitonin salmon is a 32-amino acid peptide hormone analog used for postmenopausal osteoporosis and hypercalcemia. FDA-approved since 1975 as nasal spray (200 IU daily) and injection (100 IU daily). A-GRADE evidence: PROOF trial showed 33% reduction in vertebral fractures at 200 IU daily. A-GRADE for bone turnover marker reduction and acute fracture pain relief. B-GRADE for BMD increase and chronic bone pain. Has unique analgesic properties making it useful for acute osteoporotic fracture pain. Salmon calcitonin has 40-50x greater potency than human calcitonin. PRESCRIPTION ONLY - second-line osteoporosis treatment after bisphosphonates.

Quick Answer

What it is

Calcitonin salmon is a 32-amino acid peptide hormone analog used for postmenopausal osteoporosis and hypercalcemia. FDA-approved since 1975 as nasal spray (200 IU daily) and injection (100 IU daily).

Key findings

  • Grade A: Vertebral Fracture Risk (Osteoporosis)
  • Grade A: Bone Turnover Markers (Bone Health)
  • Grade A: Acute Fracture Pain (Osteoporosis)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Calcitonin Salmon

Quick Facts: Calcitonin Salmon

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:14
  • Grade A Findings:4
  • Grade B Findings:2
  • Key Effect:Osteoporosis
A4
B2
C3
D5
2 conditions Β· 14 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Vertebral Fracture Risk
PROOF trial showed 33% reduction in new vertebral fractures with 200 IU nasal spray (RR 0.67, P=0.03) over 5 years. 36% reduction in women with 1-5 prevalent fractures.
moderate↓Improves
A
Acute Fracture Pain
Multiple RCTs demonstrate significant analgesic effect in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, with reduced pain scores and analgesic requirements.
moderate↓Improves
B
Bone Mineral Density
Calcitonin produces modest increases in lumbar spine BMD, though effects are less pronounced than bisphosphonates or other antiresorptives.
small↑Improves
A
Bone Turnover Markers
Calcitonin reduces bone resorption markers through direct inhibition of osteoclast activity.
moderate↓Improves
A
Hypercalcemia
Calcitonin is FDA-approved for acute treatment of hypercalcemia, rapidly lowering serum calcium through inhibition of bone resorption.
large↓Improves
B
Chronic Bone Pain
Calcitonin provides pain relief in osteoporosis and other painful bone conditions through central and peripheral analgesic mechanisms.
moderate↓Improves
C
Liver Protection
9 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
moderate↑Improves
C
Anti-Cancer Activity
4 systematic reviews and preclinical studies support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
C
GI Protection
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Kidney Function
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Blood Glucose Control
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↓Improves
D
Lipid Profile
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↓Improves
D
Safety/Tolerability
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Seizure Activity
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↓Improves

Research Citations (44)

Quantitative Analysis of Salmon Calcitonin Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle Permeation to substantiate Non-Invasive Bone Targeting via Sublingual Delivery.
(2025)
PMID: 40102334
A trilayer microneedle patch for transdermal delivery of the peptide salmon calcitonin for osteoporosis therapy.
(2025)
PMID: 40845924
Tuning the double lipidation of salmon calcitonin to introduce a pore-like membrane translocation mechanism.
(2024)
PMID: 38713958
Composite Separable Microneedles for Transdermal Delivery and Controlled Release of Salmon Calcitonin for Osteoporosis Therapy.
(2023)
PMID: 36576723
Enhancing the gastrointestinal stability of salmon calcitonin through peptide stapling.
(2023)
PMID: 37186112
Examination of Effective Buccal Absorption of Salmon Calcitonin Using Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Conjugated Liposomal Drug Delivery System.
(2022)
PMID: 35210769
Involvement of nitric oxide pathway in the acute anticonvulsant effect of salmon calcitonin in rats.
(2022)
PMID: 35066437
Calcitonin (FORTICAL, MIACALCIN) for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures
(2021)
PMID: 34745472
The effect of salmon calcitonin against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in the C6 cell line and the roles the inflammatory and nitric oxide pathways play.
(2021)
PMID: 34370176
Effects of Teriparatide versus Salmon Calcitonin Therapy for the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Asia: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
(2021)
PMID: 33109070

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