teriparatide (Eli Lilly and Company)

Teriparatide (PTH 1-34) is a peptide biologic consisting of the biologically active N-terminal fragment of human parathyroid hormone (34 amino acids). While systemically administered teriparatide is widely used for osteoporosis, this specific topical formulation was investigated by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Formulated in a proprietary Novasome A cream (a paucilamellar liposome-based vehicle), the drug acts as an agonist of the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R), also known as the PTH/PTHrP receptor. The therapeutic rationale is based on the observation that parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is a potent inhibitor of epidermal cell growth and a promoter of keratinocyte differentiation. By activating PTH1R in the skin, topical teriparatide aims to suppress the keratinocyte hyperproliferation characteristic of psoriasis. Clinical evaluation in Phase 1/2 trials (such as NCT00007306) demonstrated that twice-daily topical application could reduce psoriatic lesions with minimal systemic absorption or toxicity.

Brand names

ForteoBonsity

Other names

parathyroid hormone (1-34)topical parathyroid hormoneteriparatide ointmentNovasome A cream