A few ‘unexpected findings’
Suzanne M. Jan De Beur, MD, outgoing ASBMR president, said, “Oral PTH appeared to increase BMD by [dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry] at the lumbar spine effectively and to a similar degree as teriparatide in previous studies.”
She identified two unexpected findings.
“There were increases in BMD by DXA at the femoral neck and total hip at 6 months that were [greater than those] seen in previous trials of teriparatide. Second, markers of bone resorption (CTX) decreased at 6 months, and this is in stark contrast to the increases observed with teriparatide treatment,” she noted in an interview.
Dr. Rosen also noted that “the decrease in CTX is very unusual for PTH and difficult to explain.” He added: “P1NP, a marker of bone formation, was not increased.”
Dr. Jan de Beur continued: “Teriparatide (PTH1-34) and abaloparatide are effective anabolic agents that we use to treat patients with high risk of osteoporotic fracture. Although effective, the burden of daily subcutaneous injection can be a barrier for older individuals, those with poor dexterity, and those that are averse to self-injection.
“Taken together, these results appear promising, that oral PTH may prove to be an effective anabolic agent for osteoporosis treatment,” she summarized.
She stressed that a larger phase 3 study is needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
The study was funded by Entera Bio. Dr. Santora is chief medical officer of Entera Bio.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com .