Recombinant human parathyroid hormone fragment PTH(1-34); bone-forming (anabolic) osteoporosis agent
Teriparatide
Approvedaka Forteo, Forsteo, PTH(1-34)
Teriparatide is a prescription anabolic osteoporosis medicine that stimulates new bone formation rather than only slowing bone loss. In the pivotal Fracture Prevention Trial (Neer et al., 2001) it reduced new vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It is approved for postmenopausal women and men at high fracture risk and for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and treatment is generally limited to a maximum of 24 months over a lifetime. Several teriparatide biosimilars are now also available.
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Mechanism
In plain terms, teriparatide is a piece of the body's own parathyroid hormone that, when injected once a day, signals bone-building cells to add new bone. Technically, it is recombinant human PTH(1-34) that binds the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts; intermittent daily dosing favors bone formation over resorption, increasing bone mineral density and improving bone microarchitecture. Continuous exposure to parathyroid hormone, by contrast, would drive bone breakdown.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Approved as Forteo (NDA 021318) on 26 November 2002, the first anabolic osteoporosis agent, for postmenopausal women and men at high fracture risk and, later, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
- Australia (TGA)Registered on the ARTG (Forteo, ARTG 80333) as a prescription medicine; teriparatide biosimilars such as Terrosa are also registered.
- European Union (EMA)Authorised as Forsteo on 10 June 2003 (Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, men at increased fracture risk, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Teriparatide biosimilars are also authorised.
- WADANot listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). Parathyroid hormone analogs are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition.
Key Studies
- Fracture Prevention Trial (Neer et al.): effect of PTH(1-34) on fractures and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (opens in a new tab) (N Engl J Med 2001;344:1434-1441; DOI 10.1056/NEJM200105103441904; PMID 11346808)
- EMA Forsteo (teriparatide) EPAR (opens in a new tab) (European Medicines Agency EPAR; authorised 10 June 2003; marketing authorisation holder Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.)
Related Clinical Trials
- A Phase II Clinical Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of SAL056 at Different Doses and Dosing RegimensPhase 2 · Recruiting
- A Study of B-3E07 and Forsteo® in Healthy Adult Female ParticipantsPhase 1 · Recruiting
- Bone Turnover Markers and Treatment Efficacy in Postmenopausal OsteoporosisN/A · Recruiting
- To Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Abaloparatide Injection (QLG2128) in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis and at High Risk of FracturePhase 3 · Not Yet Recruiting
- Chronotherapeutic Optimization of Teriparatide Administration in Postmenopausal OsteoporosisN/A · Not Yet Recruiting
- Combined Anabolic TherapyPhase 4 · Recruiting
- Post-surgical Outcomes With Anabolic Agent Use in High-risk Ankle Fractures: A Pilot RCTPhase 1/Phase 2 · Not Yet Recruiting
- A Study of TeriQ Patch in Healthy Adult Female ParticipantsPhase 1 · Completed
Latest research
- Mechanisms limiting the long-term anabolic effects of teriparatide (PTH 1-34) on bone. (opens in a new tab)
JBMR plus · Jul 1, 2026
- Teriparatide as an Adjunct in Managing Delayed Union of Long Bone Fractures: Insights from a Tertiary Care Center. (opens in a new tab)
Annals of African medicine · Jul 1, 2026
- Association between antiosteoporosis medications and risk of sacral fracture after lumbosacral fusion in adults with osteoporosis: A proportional hazards analysis. (opens in a new tab)
Journal of orthopaedics · Jul 1, 2026
- Impact of Osteoporosis Medications on Postoperative Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty. (opens in a new tab)
The journal of knee surgery · Jul 1, 2026
Common Questions
- What is Teriparatide?
- Teriparatide is a recombinant fragment of human parathyroid hormone, PTH(1-34), given as a once-daily injection to treat osteoporosis in people at high fracture risk. Marketed by Eli Lilly as Forteo and Forsteo, it was the first bone-forming (anabolic) osteoporosis drug, approved by the FDA in 2002, authorised by the EMA in 2003, and registered by the TGA in Australia.
- Is Teriparatide approved for medical use?
- Teriparatide is approved for one or more medical uses in at least one major jurisdiction. United States (FDA): Approved as Forteo (NDA 021318) on 26 November 2002, the first anabolic osteoporosis agent, for postmenopausal women and men at high fracture risk and, later, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. European Union (EMA): Authorised as Forsteo on 10 June 2003 (Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, men at increased fracture risk, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Teriparatide biosimilars are also authorised. Australia (TGA): Registered on the ARTG (Forteo, ARTG 80333) as a prescription medicine; teriparatide biosimilars such as Terrosa are also registered.
- How does Teriparatide work?
- In plain terms, teriparatide is a piece of the body's own parathyroid hormone that, when injected once a day, signals bone-building cells to add new bone. Technically, it is recombinant human PTH(1-34) that binds the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts; intermittent daily dosing favors bone formation over resorption, increasing bone mineral density and improving bone microarchitecture.
- Is Teriparatide legal in Australia?
- Teriparatide in Australia (TGA): Registered on the ARTG (Forteo, ARTG 80333) as a prescription medicine; teriparatide biosimilars such as Terrosa are also registered.
- Is Teriparatide banned in sport?
- Teriparatide under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code: Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). Parathyroid hormone analogs are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition.