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Teriparatide (Forteo)

Peptide

Teriparatide (brand name Forteo) is a recombinant form of the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). It was FDA-approved in November 2002 as the first anabolic agent for osteoporosis treatment. Unlike antiresorptive drugs, teriparatide stimulates new bone formation. It is indicated for postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis at high fracture risk, and for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Quick Answer

What it is

Teriparatide (brand name Forteo) is a recombinant form of the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). It was FDA-approved in November 2002 as the first anabolic agent for osteoporosis treatment.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Vertebral Fracture Risk (Osteoporosis)
  • Grade A: Non-Vertebral Fracture Risk (Osteoporosis)
  • Grade A: Lumbar Spine BMD (Osteoporosis)

Safety

  • It is indicated for postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis at high fracture risk, and for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
  • Meta-analysis showed 70% reduction in vertebral fracture risk (RR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21-0.44).
  • Meta-analysis showed 38% reduction in non-vertebral fracture risk (RR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.87) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
⚠️ 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: Teriparatide (Forteo)

Quick Facts: Teriparatide (Forteo)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:13
  • Grade A Findings:7
  • Grade B Findings:3
  • Key Effect:Osteoporosis
A7
B3
C1
D2
3 conditions · 13 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Vertebral Fracture Risk
Meta-analysis showed 70% reduction in vertebral fracture risk (RR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21-0.44). TOWER trial showed 80% reduction with cumulative incidence of 3.1% vs 14.5% placebo.
large↓Improves
A
Non-Vertebral Fracture Risk
Meta-analysis showed 38% reduction in non-vertebral fracture risk (RR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.87) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
moderate↓Improves
A
Lumbar Spine BMD
24 months of treatment increased lumbar spine BMD by 10.7-13.4%, with 83% of patients showing >3% BMD increase.
large↑Improves
A
Femoral Neck BMD
24 months of treatment increased femoral neck BMD by 2.7-3.3%, with 40% of patients showing significant response.
moderate↑Improves
A
Total Hip BMD
24 months of treatment increased total hip BMD by 3.0-3.7% from baseline.
moderate↑Improves
A
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
Teriparatide is superior to bisphosphonates for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, with greater BMD increases at spine and hip.
moderate↑Improves
A
Bone Formation Markers
Teriparatide rapidly increases bone formation markers (P1NP, osteocalcin) within weeks of treatment initiation.
large↑Improves
B
Bone Mineral Density
57 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
B
Safety/Tolerability
7 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
C
Anti-Cancer Activity
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Angiogenesis
2 human trials support this finding. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
D
Cardiac Protection
2 human trials support this finding. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
B
Hip Fracture Prevention
Long-term follow-up showed sustained lower incidence of hip fractures for up to 8 years after switching to antiresorptive agents.
moderate↓Worsens

Research Citations (54)

Long-term impact of teriparatide on bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, and fracture risk relative to total hip T-score: A two-decade, registry-based cohort study
(2025)
PMID: 40054513
Real-world safety and effectiveness of romosozumab following daily or weekly administration of teriparatide in primary and secondary osteoporosis.
(2025)
PMID: 39826700
Prolonged hypercalcemia induced by teriparatide: a case report and literature review.
(2025)
PMID: 40500389
Efficacy and safety of teriparatide vs. bisphosphonates and denosumab vs. bisphosphonates in osteoporosis not previously treated with bisphosphonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(2024)
PMID: 39289862
The Fracture Incidence and Safety of Teriparatide and Bisphosphonate in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis.
(2024)
PMID: 38064598
Efficacy and safety of teriparatide vs. bisphosphonates and denosumab vs. bisphosphonates in osteoporosis not previously treated with bisphosphonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
(2024)
PMID: 39312040
Delayed and significant hypercalcaemia due to teriparatide therapy: a case report and review.
(2024)
PMID: 38613637
Protective effect of teriparatide against vancomycin-induced cytotoxicity in osteoblasts.
(2023)
PMID: 36371341
Cardiac adverse events in bisphosphonate and teriparatide users: An international pharmacovigilance study.
(2023)
PMID: 36543300
Potential effects of teriparatide (PTH (1-34)) on osteoarthritis: a systematic review.
(2023)
PMID: 36609338

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