What is "teriparatide"

n. A recombinant form of parathyroid hormone, used in the treatment of some forms of osteoporosis.

Teriparatide is a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone consisting of the first ( N-terminus) 34 amino acids, which is the bioactive portion of the hormone. It is an effective anabolic (i.e., bone growing) agent used in the treatment of some forms of osteoporosis. It is also occasionally used off-label to speed fracture healing. Teriparatide is identical to a portion of human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and intermittent use activates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, which leads to an overall increase in bone.

Teriparatide is sold by Eli Lilly and Company under the brand name Forteo. In the United States as of 2015 each dose costs between 579 and 967 USD.