IBMS BoneKEy | Perspective

Anabolic therapy for osteoporosis: Calcilytics

Edward F Nemeth



DOI:10.1138/20080318

Abstract

Calcilytics are calcium receptor antagonists that stimulate the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid glands. Some calcilytics are orally bioavailable and can elicit a rapid and transient increase in circulating levels of endogenous PTH. Daily oral administration of a calcilytic compound to ovariectomized rats stimulates new bone formation and increases bone mineral density and biomechanical strength at cortical and cancellous sites. An orally-active calcilytic compound is currently being assessed for safety and efficacy in a Phase II clinical trial in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It can be anticipated that some of the safety and efficacy properties of exogenously administered PTH peptides will be shared with calcilytics, whereas others will be unique to these small molecule compounds.


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