Biologic Therapy Apparently More Effective Than Oral Therapy for Glucocorticoid-Associated Osteoporosis

Teriparatide was associated with greater bone density and fewer vertebral fractures in corticosteroid recipients, but the therapy is costly.

Bisphosphonate therapy (alendronate, risedronate, or ibandronate) is the standard approach for preventing and treating corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Teriparatide is a recombinant human parathyroid hormone that is administered by daily subcutaneous injection to treat osteoporosis. This agent directly stimulates osteoblastogenesis and inhibits osteoblast apoptosis — mechanisms known to affect the development of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis — and may therefore be a rational choice for its management.

Researchers conducted an 18-month, randomized, multinational, multi-institutional, double-blind comparison of oral alendronate (10 mg/day) and subcutaneous teriparatide (20 μg/day) for preventing osteoporosis in patients receiving at …

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)