Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (07/12/12) Simeonov, Anton
A study published in Science Translational Medicine indicates that an implantable medical device shows promise in being used to administer human parathyroid hormone fragment (hPTH) 1-34 in women with osteoporosis. The eight osteoporotic post-menopausal women who participated in the study were implanted with the microchip-based drug delivery device, which was controlled wirelessly in order to administer doses of hPTH 1-34--the active ingredient in the drug teriparatide, which is used to treat osteoporosis in patients who have a higher risk of bone fractures--once a day for up to 20 days. Researchers performed bone marker evaluations on the women and found that using the device to release hPTH into their bodies on a daily basis helped increase bone formation. In addition, the use of the device led to good rates of absorption and distribution of hPTH.

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