Teriparatide is available under several brand names, primarily Forteo and a biosimilar named Nyceapta [1][2].
What is Teriparatide used for?
Teriparatide is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture or in men at high risk of fracture. It is also indicated for men and women with idiopathic or hereditary osteoporosis who are at increased risk of fractures, or when other treatments are not suitable. Additionally, it treats men and women with bone loss associated with sustained therapy with drugs that reduce sex hormone levels in men with cancer (adjuvant therapy) or in women with breast cancer (adjuvant therapy), and who are at increased risk for fractures [3].
How does Teriparatide work?
Teriparatide works by stimulating bone formation, helping to rebuild bone tissue and improve bone density. It targets osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone, and also influences osteoclasts, which resorb bone [4].
When does the patent for Teriparatide expire?
The patent landscape for teriparatide is complex and involves multiple patents covering the drug substance, formulations, and methods of use. For instance, the original patent for teriparatide (Forteo) has expired, allowing for the development of biosimilars [5]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these patent expirations and provides detailed information on patent statuses for various drugs [5].
What are the alternatives to Teriparatide?
Alternatives for osteoporosis treatment include other anabolic agents, antiresorptive agents like bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate), denosumab, and hormone replacement therapy. The choice of treatment depends on individual patient factors, fracture risk, and tolerance to medications [6].
What are the side effects of Teriparatide?
Common side effects of teriparatide include nausea, joint pain, headache, and pain in extremities. Less common but serious side effects can include hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), and in animal studies, osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) was observed, leading to a boxed warning for this drug [3].