Abstract

▼Teriparatide (Forsteo - Eli Lilly) is the first parathyroid hormone derivative to be licensed for the treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is described as a "bone-formation agent",1 in contrast to established treatments, such as bisphosphonates, raloxifene, calcitriol and calcitonin, which reduce bone resorption.2–4 Here we consider whether teriparatide offers any worthwhile advantages over these other options.