Teriparatide, Osteoporosis Drug Being Studied For Bone-Forming Disorder or Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
Brittle bone disorder or osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited disorder characterized by weak bones that break easily and people inflicted with the most severe form of this disorder have short stature, can suffer hundreds if not thousands of fractures in a lifetime, and are confined to a wheelchair.
The Oregon Health and Science University is leading a study of a drug that may help reduce that debilitating effects of OI.
The study, headed by Eric Orwoll, M.D., professor of medicine (endocrinology, diabetes and clinical nutrition) and director of the Bone and Mineral Unit, OHSU School of Medicine, is examining the effectiveness of the synthesized parathyroid hormone, teriparatide, in increasing bone mass and improving bone structure in adults affected by OI.
Derived from the human parathyroid gland, teriparatide is manufactured and sold by Eli Lilly and Co. under the brand name FORTEO™ which is already approved for use by men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are at high risk of having fractures.
Read more at OHSU.
Photo Credit: Eli Lilly and Co.
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