A new study in the New England of Journal indicates that teriparatide (brand name Forteo) may be more effective in building bone than alendronate (Fosamax).

The University of Alabama study, conducted on 428 women and men whose osteoporosis was induced by long-term use of glucocorticoid medicines such as Prednisone, also showed a bigger decrease in new vertebral fractures in the teriparatide group (decreases in new nonverbral fractures were similar).

While this study shows how Forteo can be a powerful alternative to some individuals with severe osteoporosis, it would be interesting to learn if the results would be the same for people who develop osteoporosis for reasons other than from glucocorticoids.

Check out the abstract at

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/357/20/2028