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Timing optimization of teriparatide dosing for postmenopausal osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

Wang H, Tao L, Liu D, Yan X, Li H, Song C

Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2025

4 citations

Abstract

Background: Accumulating evidence highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in regulating bone turnover. Bone turnover markers, including parathyroid hormone, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, all exhibit distinct diurnal variations. Teriparatide, a recombinant parathyroid hormone analog, demonstrates time-dependent efficacy influenced by these endogenous rhythms. However, the impact of administration timing on bone metabolism remains underexplored.

Objective: This randomized, open-label, exploratory trial investigates the impact of teriparatide administration timing by comparing subcutaneous injection at 08:00 versus 20:00 on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Methods: Twenty-eight participants (aged 60-70 years, lumbar spine T-score ≤ -3.0) will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 20 µg/day of teriparatide via subcutaneous injection at either 08:00 or 20:00 for 12 weeks. All participants will receive standardized calcium (1000-1500 mg/day) and cholecalciferol (800-1200 IU/day) supplementation throughout the study period. The primary outcomes are the between-group differences in serum parathyroid hormone, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen profiles, which will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes will evaluate the safety profile during the trial.

Discussion: This trial is expected to provide…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.

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