See the DrugPatentWatch profile for calcitonin
What is calcitonin, and what does it do in the body?
Calcitonin is a hormone made by the C cells of the thyroid gland. Its main role is to help regulate blood calcium levels. It lowers blood calcium by reducing bone breakdown, which helps limit the release of calcium from the skeleton into the bloodstream.
How does calcitonin work to lower blood calcium?
Calcitonin acts on bone cells to reduce bone resorption (the process where bone is broken down). By slowing that breakdown, it decreases how much calcium is released from bone, which can lower blood calcium levels.
Where does calcitonin come from, and how is it used medically?
In the body, calcitonin is produced naturally in the thyroid. Medically, calcitonin can be prescribed as a drug in certain situations where lowering bone resorption is desired. (Common clinical uses vary by country and over time.)
What is calcitonin used as a lab test?
Blood calcitonin levels are sometimes measured in clinical testing because abnormally high calcitonin can be associated with certain thyroid cancers, particularly medullary thyroid cancer. Testing is used to support diagnosis and to monitor for recurrence after treatment.
Are there different types or forms of calcitonin?
Calcitonin is available in drug form in different formulations (for example, injections and nasal sprays, depending on the product). The exact form depends on the indication and local prescribing practices.
Sources
- [1] DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com