Overview
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In plain language
Teriparatide (brand name Forteo, and others) is an FDA-approved medicine for osteoporosis. It is the first 34 amino acids of parathyroid hormone, the body's main controller of blood calcium.
Most osteoporosis medicines slow bone breakdown. Teriparatide is different: a small daily injection under the skin actually builds new bone and lowers the risk of fractures. Side effects can include dizziness and leg cramps.
For students
Teriparatide is recombinant human PTH(1–34) (about 4,118 Da), the portion of the 84-residue hormone that binds and activates the PTH1 receptor. It was approved in 2002.
Once-daily injection creates brief PTH peaks that stimulate osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, an "anabolic window." Continuous high PTH, as in hyperparathyroidism, causes net bone loss.
For researchers and instructors
Clinical evidence. The pivotal trial in postmenopausal women showed large reductions in new vertebral fractures and a significant reduction in non-vertebral fractures versus placebo. VERO showed fewer vertebral fractures than risedronate.
Safety. Early rat studies found osteosarcoma at high exposures; a boxed warning was removed from the label in 2020. Transient hypercalcemia and orthostatic hypotension can occur.
Practice. After stopping, an antiresorptive drug is usually given to keep the bone gained.
Status. FDA-approved.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 34
- Molecular weight
- ~4,117.8 Da
- Formula
- C₁₈₁H₂₉₁N₅₅O₅₁S₂
- Sequence
- SVSEIQLMHNLGKHLNSMERVEWLRKKLQDVHNF
Sequence map
Hydropathy
Kyte–Doolittle score per residue. Positive values are water-repelling.
Origin and history
Teriparatide is the first 34 amino acids of parathyroid hormone, which carry its activity. Given in short daily pulses, it builds bone instead of breaking it down.
A 2001 trial in the New England Journal of Medicine showed large drops in spine fractures. Eli Lilly’s Forteo was approved in 2002. Rat studies had shown bone tumors, so it carried a boxed warning that was removed in 2020 after years of human safety data.
Key people
- Robert NeerLead author of the 2001 fracture trial
Timeline
- 2001
Pivotal fracture trial published
- 2002
FDA approves Forteo
- 2020
Boxed warning removed
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Randomized trials showed fewer vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.
Registration and enrollment are not proof of benefit; check study results directly.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
FDA-approved. A boxed warning about bone cancer (based on rat studies) was removed from the label in 2020.
This profile is educational and does not provide treatment, dosing or sourcing guidance.
Sources
- PubMed literature search: Teriparatide
- PubChem compound search: Teriparatide
- DailyMed (FDA label search): Teriparatide
- Neer et al. 2001, NEJM
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: Teriparatide
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). Teriparatide: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/teriparatide.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy