Parathormone: A Promising Osteoanabolic Agent

Abstract

All currently available and approved drugs for therapy of osteoporosis inhibit bone resorption. By reducing the activity of the osteoclast, they all have the capacity to increase BMD and to reduce fracture risk. Despite their great value, the antiresorptives are generally not associated with dramatic increases in bone density or with production of new bone. Reduction of fracture risk, although highly significant, is rarely more than 50 % of the baseline risk. Another approach is osteo-anabolic therapy, with stimulation of new bone formation. Fluoride, strontium, GH, insulin-like growth factor, the statins, and PTH are the main candidates.