| [ Summary ] |
Although anti‒resorptive agents are a first line treatment for osteoporosis, clinical application of bone anabolic agents has been sought, especially for elderly patients at high risk of fractures and for patients with glucocorticoid‒induced osteoporosis whose principal pathogenesis is the suppression of bone formation. Human recombinant parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1‒34) given by daily subcutaneous injection, has already been clinically implemented in many foreign countries including Europe and the United States. It was also approved as a bone anabolic agent in 2010 in Japan. PTH (1‒34) agents, administered in weekly subcutaneous injections and also by transdermal administration are being developed. Calcilytics, which would cause a rapid increase in endogenous PTH secretion, have been expected as oral bone anabolic agents. Recent progress in basic research may provide clues to clinical development of new bone anabolic agents. |