Endocrinologists at the University of Pittsburgh are in the process of developing a treatment of osteoporosis using a naturally occurring hormone that promises to build weakened bones.

The treatment known as, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), is about to enter into the testing stage. Researchers are, therefore, looking for 105 participants who should be post-menopausal, non-smoking and of Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian women. They should be between the ages of 45 and 75; and should not have taken osteoporosis or estrogen replacement drugs in the last year.

The chief researcher in the trial, Dr. Mara J. Horwitz ascertained that test subjects would be randomly prescribed to take PTHrP or teriparatide, which although causing some bone breakdown, builds bone density.

Teriparatide’s brand name is Forteo and is approved as a treatment for osteoporosis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

PTHrP was developed by Dr. Andrew F. Stewart, who is the chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in the School of Medicine. Researchers seek to find out if the hormone can be used in the treatment of osteoporosis with minimal side effects. A metabolic bone specialist at UPMC, Dr. Horwitz, said that since it is an anabolic agent and promotes bone formation without any break-down, it is promising.

However, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, through its spokesperson, Jill Ryan, refused to comment on the drug until it had received full FDA approval.

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