 Teriparatide (Forteo, also available in generic form[1]) is a recombinant

form of parathyroid hormone, used in the treatment of some forms of

osteoporosis.[2] It is manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly and Company.

 Administration
 Teriparatide is administered by injection once a day in the thigh or
abdomen. The recommended dose is 20 μg per day. Coming in the form of
a penfill designed for self injection like this of insulin,2 units or 20ug is
given daily, subcutaneous.

 Uses
 Teriparatide is indicated for use in patients with severe osteoporosis. The
drug also has an ongoing clinical trial to evaluate its effectiveness in
treating the symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta.[3]
 Teriparatide is the portion of human parathyroid hormone (PTH), amino acid
sequence 1 through 34, of the complete molecule (containing 84 amino
acids).
 Endogenous PTH is the primary regulator of calcium and phosphate
metabolism in bone and kidney.
 PTH increases serum calcium, partially accomplishing this by increasing
bone resorption.
 Chronically elevated PTH will deplete bone stores. However, intermittent
exposure to PTH will activate osteoblasts more than osteoclasts.
 Once-daily injections of teriparatide have a net effect of stimulating new bone
formation leading to increased bone mineral density. [5][6][7]
 Teriparatide is the first, and to date only, FDA approved agent for the
treatment of osteoporosis that stimulates new bone formation. [8]
 FDA approval
 Teriparatide was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on
26 November 2002, for the treatment of osteoporosis in men and
postmenopausal women who are at high risk for having a fracture.
 The drug is also approved to increase bone mass in men with primary or
hypogonadal osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture
•Osteoblasts(from the Greek words for "bone" and "germ" or embryonic) are
mononucleate cells that are responsible for bone formation

•Osteoblastsare specialized fibroblasts that in addition to fibroblastic products,

express bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin.[1]

•Osteoblasts produce a matrix of osteoid, which is composed mainly of Type I

collagen.

•Osteoblasts are also responsible for mineralization of this matrix.

•Zinc, copper and sodium are some of the minerals required in this process.

•Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly being reshaped by osteoblasts, in

charge of production of matrix and mineral, and osteoclasts, which remodel the
tissue.

•Osteoblast cells tend to decrease with age, affecting the balance of formation and
resorption in the bone tissue.[2]