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01-05-2008 | Current Opinion

Calcitonin — A Drug of the Past or for the Future?

Physiologic Inhibition of Bone Resorption while Sustaining Osteoclast Numbers Improves Bone Quality

Authors: Dr Morten A. Karsdal, Kim Henriksen, Michel Arnold, Claus Christiansen

Published in: BioDrugs | Issue 3/2008

Abstract

Postmenopausal osteoporosis results from a continuous imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, favoring bone resorption. An increasing number of treatments for osteoporosis are in development and on the market. A range of differences and similarities are found between these treatment options, and these need to be carefully evaluated before the initiation of treatment. This article summarizes data from in vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical trials, on the effect of calcitonin on bone turnover.

Calcitonin was found to exert its antiresorptive effects via directly reducing osteoclastic resorption, and thus leads to an increase in bone mineral density and bone strength. Furthermore, calcitonin appears to mainly target the most active osteoclasts, and in contrast to most other antiresorptive agents it does not reduce the number of osteoclasts. Finally, in humans, while attenuating resorption, calcitonin treatment does not interfere markedly with bone formation, in contrast to other currently available antiresorptive agents. Thus, we speculate that calcitonin treatment will lead to a continuously positive bone balance in contrast with other antiresorptive agents currently on the market and thereby, in a physiologic manner, result in improved bone quality.

Calcitonin is currently only available in injectable and nasal formulations. An oral formulation may, however, improve patient acceptance and compliance. Currently, several different routes are being pursued to identify an optimal oral formulation, of which the technology based on 5-CNAC is the most advanced. There are promising clinical data available for this formulation from both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis clinical trials, although the antifracture efficacy is not yet known.

The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement

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Title: Calcitonin — A Drug of the Past or for the Future?
Physiologic Inhibition of Bone Resorption while Sustaining Osteoclast Numbers Improves Bone Quality
Authors: Dr Morten A. Karsdal
Kim Henriksen
Michel Arnold
Claus Christiansen
Publication date: 01-05-2008
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: BioDrugs / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 1173-8804
Electronic ISSN: 1179-190X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200822030-00001

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Calcitonin — A Drug of the Past or for the Future?

Physiologic Inhibition of Bone Resorption while Sustaining Osteoclast Numbers Improves Bone Quality

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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