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Teriparatide

PTH(1-34), recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), Forteo

Research useEducational entry
Mechanism

The N-terminal 1-34 fragment of parathyroid hormone. Given as an intermittent daily injection it acts on PTH1 receptors on osteoblasts to favour bone formation over resorption (an anabolic effect), in contrast to the resorptive effect of continuous PTH exposure.

Evidence

Well-characterised human clinical evidence. An FDA/EMA-approved anabolic osteoporosis drug; the pivotal trial reported large reductions in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Not a repair 'peptide' in the research-use sense.

Applications
  • Approved for osteoporosis at high fracture risk (postmenopausal women, men with hypogonadal/idiopathic osteoporosis)
  • Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
  • Studied for stimulating bone formation and microarchitecture
Protocol

Educational overview only — no dosing instructions in the public hub. Prescription-only medicine used under medical supervision.

Risks

Historical boxed warning about osteosarcoma seen in rats given high lifetime doses; long-term human surveillance found no increased osteosarcoma signal, and the FDA removed the boxed warning and 2-year lifetime limit (2020-2021). Reported effects include hypercalcaemia, nausea, dizziness and leg cramps.

Quality

A regulated pharmaceutical product; authenticity means a licensed, pharmacy-dispensed drug, not a research-grade vial. Third-party CoA (purity + quantification + MS) is the minimum verification for any non-pharmaceutical source.

Legal status

Approved prescription medicine for osteoporosis in the US (FDA, 2002) and EU (EMA); dispensed only on prescription.

✓ Last reviewed · 2026-07-21

Frequently asked questions

What is Teriparatide used for?
Approved for osteoporosis at high fracture risk (postmenopausal women, men with hypogonadal/idiopathic osteoporosis). Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Studied for stimulating bone formation and microarchitecture. Well-characterised human clinical evidence. An FDA/EMA-approved anabolic osteoporosis drug; the pivotal trial reported large reductions in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Not a repair 'peptide' in the research-use sense.
Is Teriparatide legal in Europe?
Approved prescription medicine for osteoporosis in the US (FDA, 2002) and EU (EMA); dispensed only on prescription.
What are the risks and side effects of Teriparatide?
Historical boxed warning about osteosarcoma seen in rats given high lifetime doses; long-term human surveillance found no increased osteosarcoma signal, and the FDA removed the boxed warning and 2-year lifetime limit (2020-2021). Reported effects include hypercalcaemia, nausea, dizziness and leg cramps.
How is the quality of Teriparatide assessed?
A regulated pharmaceutical product; authenticity means a licensed, pharmacy-dispensed drug, not a research-grade vial. Third-party CoA (purity + quantification + MS) is the minimum verification for any non-pharmaceutical source.