Recombinant PTH May Prevent Vertebral Fractures in Osteoporosis

In a previous study, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH; teriparatide, or Forteo) increased bone-mineral density (BMD) and reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures among postmenopausal women with prior vertebral fractures (Journal Watch May 18 2001). In this new multinational trial, researchers examined the effect of PTH on the incidence of fracture in 2679 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean T-score, –3.0 at lumbar spine), 81% of whom had no prior vertebral fracture. Women were randomized to receive 100 µg of PTH subcutaneously or placebo daily for 18 months; 1701 completed the trial. The drug maker funded the study and performed the statistical analyses, and the authors reported numerous possible financial conflic…