Initial experience with teriparatide in the United States

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Teriparatide, a parathyroid hormone analog, has been available in the US for over three years.
• Early post-marketing surveillance provides insights into its real-world application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the early clinical experience and post-marketing surveillance data for teriparatide therapy.
• To assess patient demographics, usage patterns, and safety profile.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of prescription data from retail pharmacies (July 2004 - October 2005).
• Market research data from prescribing physicians (February-March 2005).
• Review of adverse event reports and post-marketing surveillance data up to December 31, 2005.

Main Results:

• Over 235,000 patients worldwide had filled prescriptions by December 2005.
• Mean patient age was 67.5 years, with 90% being female in 2005.
• Over 80% of patients had experienced prior fractures; subcutaneous injection training and support programs are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Teriparatide is utilized by a specific demographic, primarily older females with a history of fractures.
• Adverse events align with clinical trial data; no pathology-confirmed osteosarcoma cases were reported.
• Ongoing surveillance and patient support are vital for teriparatide therapy.