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Antagonizing the calcium-sensing receptor: towards new bone anabolics?
1Division of Pathophysiology and Repair, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK. riccardi@cf.ac.uk
Current Molecular Pharmacology
|July 27, 2011
Summary
New osteoporosis treatments focus on parathyroid hormone (PTH) to increase bone density and reduce fracture risk. This review explores PTH-modifying agents, including exogenous PTH and calcilytics, as promising osteoanabolic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoporosis poses a significant challenge, particularly with an aging population.
- Bisphosphonates are current standard treatments but have limitations in efficacy and safety for long-term use.
- There is a critical need for novel osteoanabolic drugs to improve bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of parathyroid hormone (PTH) modifying agents as novel osteoanabolic therapies for osteoporosis.
- To discuss two emerging approaches: exogenous PTH administration and calcilytics that stimulate endogenous PTH release.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on PTH-modifying agents for osteoporosis treatment.
- Analysis of current antiosteoporotic treatments, including bisphosphonates.
- Exploration of the anabolic effects of transient PTH fluctuations.
Main Results:
- Bisphosphonates are effective but show limited efficacy in severe bone loss and carry risks with long-term use.
- Transient fluctuations in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) are a proven anabolic stimulus for bone.
- Exogenous PTH administration and calcilytics represent two promising strategies for modulating PTH.
Conclusions:
- PTH-modifying agents offer a promising avenue for developing new osteoanabolic drugs.
- These agents have the potential to overcome the limitations of current osteoporosis treatments.
- Further research into exogenous PTH and calcilytics is warranted for managing osteoporosis.
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