How does teriparatide (Forteo) work?

Teriparatide (Forteo), is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone - a hormone produced naturally by the body which helps maintain blood levels of calcium within a very tight range; which in turn controls calcium levels within bone - determining how strong and dense the bones are.

As an osteoporosis medication, teriparatide is unique in that it stimulates bone formation. It may be used by postmenopausal women or men and is given as a daily injection. Evidence suggests it has more of an effect on building bone density and reducing fracture risk in the spine compared to other areas. Forteo is expensive, so is usually reserved for people with severe osteoporosis.

Bonsity (teriparatide) is a parathyroid hormone analog (PTH 1-34) that was approved in October 2019 and represents a cost-effective, therapeutically equivalent option to Forteo. It may be used to treat the following people at high risk of fracture:

• postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
• men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis
• osteoporosis associated with long-term glucocorticoid therapy.