Eli Lilly announces positive Forteo data

Eli Lilly has announced positive data showing that glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis patients administered with Forteo (PTH 1-34, teriparatide [rDNA origin] injection) displayed a significantly increased lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline compared to those receiving Fosamax (alendronate) after 18 months of treatment.

Increases in lumbar spine BMD were seen at six, 12 and 18 months of treatment with a statistical significance of p < 0.001 at all time points assessed in the study. The drug is supplied in a disposable pen device that can be used for once-daily self-administered injections up to 28 days after given to patients. It can be taken for up to 24 months and is available in a 20 mcg dose. Kenneth G Saag, professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Alabama, said: “Currently, there is a lack of variety in treatment choices for patients receiving chronic glucocorticoid medication who are at high risk for fractures.” He added that this clinical trial data is important as it shows the potential for teriparatide as a viable treatment option in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis In April 2006, Lilly announced sales of $127.1 million (62.17 million pounds) for Forteo in the first quarter of the year, up 90 per cent on the same quarter last year.