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.

See the full regulatory status matrix

Key Studies

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Latest research

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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.