Denosumab and teriparatide transitions in postmenopausal osteoporosis (the DATA-Switch study): extension of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Unlike most chronic diseases, osteoporosis treatments are generally limited to a single drug at a fixed dose and frequency. Nonetheless, no approved therapy is able to restore skeletal integrity in most osteoporotic patients and the long-term use of osteoporosis drugs is controversial. Thus, many patients are treated with the sequential use of two or more therapies. The DATA study showed that combined teriparatide and denosumab increased bone mineral density more than either drug alone. Discontinuing teriparatide and denosumab, however, results in rapidly declining bone mineral density. In this DATA-Switch study, we aimed to assess the changes in bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women who transitioned between treatments. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial (DATA-Switch) is a preplanned extension of the denosumab and teriparatide administration study (DATA), in which 94 postmenopausal osteoporotic women were randomly assigned to receive 24 months of teriparatide (20 mg daily), denosumab (60 mg every 6 months), or both drugs. In DATA-Switch, women originally assigned to teriparatide received denosumab (teriparatide to denosumab group), those originally assigned to denosumab received teriparatide (denosumab to teriparatide group), and those originally assigned to both received an additional 24 months of denosumab alone (combination to denosumab group). Bone mineral density at the spine, hip, and wrist were measured 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months after the drug transitions as were biochemical markers of bone turnover. The primary endpoint was the percent change in posterior-anterior spine bone mineral density over 4 years. Between-group changes were assessed by one-way analysis of variance in our modified intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00926380. FINDINGS: Between Sept 27, 2011, and Jan 28, 2013, eligible women from the DATA study were enrolled into DATA-Switch. Of 83 potential enrollees from the DATA study, 77 completed at least one post-baseline visit. After 48 months, the primary outcome of mean spine bone mineral density increased by 18·3% (95% CI 14·9-21·8) in 27 women in the teriparatide to denosumab group, 14·0% (10·9-17·2) in 27 women the denosumab to teriparatide group, and 16·0% (14·0-18·0) in 23 women in the combination to denosumab group, although this increase did not differ significantly between groups (for between-group comparisons, p=0·13 for the teriparatide to denosumab group vs the denosumab to teriparatide group, p=0·30 for the teriparatide to denosumab group vs the combination to denosumab group, and p=0·41 for the denosumab to teriparatide group vs the combination to denosumab group). For the bone mineral density secondary outcomes, total hip bone mineral density increased more in the teriparatide to denosumab group (6·6% [95% CI 5·3-7·9]) than in the denosumab to teriparatide group (2·8% [1·3-4·2], p=0·0002), but had the greatest increase in the combination to denosumab group (8·6% [7·1-10·0]; p=0·0446 vs the teriparatide to denosumab group, p<0·0001 vs the denosumab to teriparatide group). Similarly, femoral neck bone mineral density increased more in the teriparatide to denosumab group (8·3% [95% CI 6·1-10·5]) and the combination to denosumab group (9·1% [6·1-12·0]) than in the denosumab to teriparatide group (4·9% [2·2-7·5]; p=0·0447 for teriparatide to denosumab vs denosumab to teriparatide, p=0·0336 for combination to denosumab vs denosumab to teriparatide). Differences between the combination to denosumab group and the teriparatide to denosumab group did not differ significantly (p=0·67). After 48 months, radius bone mineral density was unchanged in the teriparatide to denosumab group (0·0% [95% CI -1·3 to 1·4]), whereas it decreased by -1·8% (-5·0 to 1·3) in the denosumab to teriparatide group, and increased by 2·8% (1·2-4·4) in the combination to denosumab group (p=0·0075 for the teriparatide to denosumab group vs the combination to denosumab group; p=0·0099 for the denosumab to teriparatide group vs the combination to denosumab group). One participant in the denosumab to teriparatide group had nephrolithiasis, classified as being possibly related to treatment. INTERPRETATION: In postmenopausal osteoporotic women switching from teriparatide to denosumab, bone mineral density continued to increase, whereas switching from denosumab to teriparatide results in progressive or transient bone loss. These results should be considered when choosing the initial and subsequent management of postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. FUNDING: Amgen, Eli Lilly, and National Institutes of Health.

Response to Therapy With Teriparatide, Denosumab, or Both in Postmenopausal Women in the DATA (Denosumab and Teriparatide Administration) Study Randomized Controlled Trial.

Both antiresorptive and anabolic osteoporosis medications increase bone mineral density (BMD), but no single agent can restore normal bone strength in most osteoporotic patients. Moreover, the magnitude and consistency of the patient response to each individual agent vary depending on the anatomic site. In the DATA study, we reported that in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, 2 years of combined denosumab and teriparatide increase mean BMD at the hip and spine more than either drug alone. In the current analysis, we wished to determine if the individual rates of BMD response were also greater among women treated with both drugs. In DATA, 94 postmenopausal osteoporotic women (ages 51-91) were randomized to receive teriparatide (20 mcg subcutaneously daily), denosumab (60 mg subcutaneously every 6 mo), or both medications for 24 mo. The BMD of the total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine (LS) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The 82 subjects who completed all 2-yr treatments were analyzed. Responders were defined as experiencing BMD increases of >3%. An "excellent response" was defined as an increase of >6%. Over 24 mo, TH BMD increased by >3% in 36%, 53%, and 92% of women in the teriparatide, denosumab, and combination groups, respectively, and by >6% in 11%, 17%, and 50% in the teriparatide, denosumab, and combination groups, respectively (p < 0.01 for all comparisons vs combination). FN response rates were similar to TH. In the LS, BMD increased by >3% in 85%, 93%, and 100% of women in the teriparatide, denosumab, and combination groups, respectively (p = nonsignificant for all comparisons) and by >6% in 63%, 78%, and 100% of women in the teriparatide, denosumab, and combination groups, respectively (combination vs teriparatide, p = 0.001; combination vs denosumab, p = 0.016). In summary, more women treated with 24 mo of combined denosumab and teriparatide achieved a significant response at the TH and FN than those treated with either drug alone. All women treated with both agents together experienced an excellent response at the LS. These results support the continued investigation of combined denosumab and teriparatide therapy in postmenopausal osteoporotic women utilizing clinical endpoints such as fracture reduction.

Teriparatide and denosumab, alone or combined, in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: the DATA study randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis medications increase bone-mineral density (BMD) and lower but do not eliminate fracture risk. The combining of anabolic agents with bisphosphonates has not improved efficacy. We compared combined teriparatide and denosumab with both agents alone. METHODS: From September, 2009, to January, 2011, we enrolled postmenopausal women with osteoporosis into this randomised, controlled trial. Patients were assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 20 µg teriparatide daily, 60 mg denosumab every 6 months, or both. BMD was measured at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Women who completed at least one study visit after baseline were assessed in a modified intention-to-treat analysis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00926380. FINDINGS: 94 (94%) of 100 eligible women completed at least one study visit after baseline. At 12 months, posterior-anterior lumbar spine BMD increased more in the combination group (9·1%, [SD 3·9]) than in the teriparatide (6·2% [4·6], p=0·0139) or denosumab (5·5% [3·3], p=0·0005) groups. Femoral-neck BMD also increased more in the combination group (4·2% [3·0]) than in the teriparatide (0·8% [4·1], p=0·0007) and denosumab (2·1% [3·8], p=0·0238) groups, as did total-hip BMD (combination, 4·9% [2·9]; teriparatide, 0·7% [2·7], p<0·0001; denosumab 2·5% [2·6], p=0·0011). INTERPRETATION: Combined teriparatide and denosumab increased BMD more than either agent alone and more than has been reported with approved therapies. Combination treatment might, therefore, be useful to treat patients at high risk of fracture. FUNDING: Amgen, Eli Lilly, National Center for Research Resources.

Comparative effects of teriparatide, denosumab, and combination therapy on peripheral compartmental bone density, microarchitecture, and estimated strength: the DATA-HRpQCT Study.

Combined teriparatide and denosumab increases spine and hip bone mineral density more than either drug alone. The effect of this combination on skeletal microstructure and microarchitecture, however, is unknown. Because skeletal microstructure and microarchitecture are important components of skeletal integrity, we performed high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) assessments at the distal tibia and radius in postmenopausal osteoporotic women randomized to receive teriparatide 20 µg daily (n = 31), denosumab 60 mg every 6 months (n = 33), or both (n = 30) for 12 months. In the teriparatide group, total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) did not change at either anatomic site but increased in both other groups at both sites. The increase in vBMD at the tibia was greater in the combination group (3.1 ± 2.2%) than both the denosumab (2.2 ± 1.9%) and teriparatide groups (-0.3 ± 1.9%) (p < 0.02 for both comparisons). Cortical vBMD decreased by 1.6 ± 1.9% at the tibia and by 0.9 ± 2.8% at the radius in the teriparatide group, whereas it increased in both other groups at both sites. Tibia cortical vBMD increased more in the combination group (1.5 ± 1.5%) than both monotherapy groups (p < 0.04 for both comparisons). Cortical thickness did not change in the teriparatide group but increased in both other groups. The increase in cortical thickness at the tibia was greater in the combination group (5.4 ± 3.9%) than both monotherapy groups (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). In the teriparatide group, radial cortical porosity increased by 20.9 ± 37.6% and by 5.6 ± 9.9% at the tibia but did not change in the other two groups. Bone stiffness and failure load, as estimated by finite element analysis, did not change in the teriparatide group but increased in the other two groups at both sites. Together, these findings suggest that the use of denosumab and teriparatide in combination improves HR-pQCT measures of bone quality more than either drug alone and may be of significant clinical benefit in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

FSH suppression does not affect bone turnover in eugonadal men.

CONTEXT: In vitro and animal studies have reported conflicting results regarding an independent role for FSH in the regulation of bone turnover. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that suppressing serum FSH while holding serum gonadal steroid levels stable in the eugonadal range will affect biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy men. PARTICIPANTS, DESIGN, AND SETTING: Eugonadal men aged 20 to 50 years participated in this randomized controlled trial at a tertiary care academic teaching hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Participants received monthly GnRH analog injections to suppress FSH secretion plus daily topical testosterone gel in prespecified doses (intervention group). Controls received matching placebos (control group). Subjects in the intervention group were individually matched with subjects in the control group to ensure that the mean testosterone and estradiol levels (measured every 4 weeks during the 16-week study period) in the 2 groups were similar. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biochemical markers of bone resorption (serum N-terminal telopeptide and C-terminal telopeptide), bone formation (serum osteocalcin), and FSH were measured at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Serum FSH declined by 2% in the control group and by 60% in the intervention group (P < .0001 for the between-group difference). Despite the substantial suppression of serum FSH in the intervention group, serum N-terminal telopeptide, C-terminal telopeptide, and osteocalcin did not change in the intervention group, nor were any between-group differences observed. CONCLUSION: When gonadal steroid levels are held constant, short-to midterm suppression of FSH does not affect bone turnover in men. FSH does not appear to be a significant regulator of bone metabolism in eugonadal men.

Two years of Denosumab and teriparatide administration in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (The DATA Extension Study): a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Current osteoporosis medications increase bone mineral density (BMD) modestly and reduce, but do not eliminate, fracture risk. Attempts to improve efficacy by administering anabolic agents and bisphosphonates concomitantly have been unsuccessful. Conversely, 12 months of concomitant denosumab and teriparatide therapy increases BMD more than either drug alone. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 24 months of combined denosumab and teriparatide will increase hip and spine BMD more than either individual agent. DESIGN: Preplanned continuation of the Denosumab and Teriparatide Administration (DATA) randomized controlled trial in which postmenopausal osteoporotic women received teriparatide (20 µg daily), denosumab (60 mg every 6 months), or both medications for 24 months. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 94 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and distal radius BMD and serum markers of bone turnover were measured. RESULTS: At 24 months, lumbar spine BMD increased more in the combination group (12.9 ± 5.0%) than in either the teriparatide (9.5 ± 5.9%, P = .01) or denosumab (8.3 ± 3.4%, P = .008) groups. Femoral neck BMD also increased more in the combination group (6.8 ± 3.6%) than in either the teriparatide (2.8 ± 3.9%, P = .003) or denosumab (4.1 ± 3.8%, P = .008) groups. Similarly, total hip BMD increased more in the combination group (6.3 ± 2.6%) than in the teriparatide (2.0 ± 3.0%) or denosumab (3.2 ± 2.5%) groups (P < .001 for both). Although spine and hip BMD continued to increase in the second year in all groups, these year 2 increases did not differ among groups. Serum C-telopeptide and N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen were equally suppressed in the denosumab and combination groups, whereas osteocalcin decreased more in the denosumab group than in the combination group, a difference that persisted, but lessened, in the second year of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Two years of concomitant teriparatide and denosumab therapy increases BMD more than therapy with either medication alone and more than has been reported with any current therapy. The combination of these agents may prove to be an important treatment option in patients at high risk of fracture.

Anabolic therapies for osteoporosis.

As the first FDA-approved anabolic agent for osteoporosis, teriparatide has proven effective for people at highest risk of fracture, despite limitations of expense, route of delivery, and length of treatment. Available data show that combination therapy with teriparatide and antiresorptive agents does not offer a therapeutic advantage. However, treatment with an antiresorptive agent after teriparatide discontinuation is essential to prevent the ensuing bone loss. Although pretreatment with bisphosphonates may somewhat attenuate the anabolic effect of teriparatide, significant gains in bone mineral density are still achieved and prior bisphosphonate use should not dissuade clinicians from using teriparatide in select patients.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium accumulates in cerebellar granule neurons via organic cation transporter 3.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), the toxic metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, induces apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). We have tested the hypothesis that organic cation transporter (OCT) 3 mediates the accumulation and, hence, the toxicity of MPP+ in CGNs. CGNs in primary culture express OCT3 but do not express mRNA for OCT1, OCT2 or the dopamine transporter. Cerebellar astrocytes are negative for OCT3 protein by immunocytochemistry. [3H]MPP+ accumulation by CGNs exhibits first-order kinetics, and a Kt value of 5.3 +/- 1.2 micro m and a Tmax of 0.32 +/- 0.02 pmol per min per 106 cells. [3H]MPP+ accumulation is inhibited by corticosterone, beta-estradiol and decynium 22 with Ki values of 0.25 micro m, 0.17 micro m and 4.0 nm respectively. [3H]MPP+ accumulation is also inhibited by desipramine, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, but is not affected by carnitine (10 mm), mazindol (9 micro m) or GBR 12909 (1 micro m). MPP+-induced caspase-3-like activation and cell death are prevented by pretreatment with 5 micro mbeta-estradiol. In contrast, the neurotoxic effects of rotenone are unaffected by beta-estradiol. Interestingly, GBR 12909 protects CGNs from both MPP+ and rotenone toxicity. In summary, CGNs accumulate MPP+ in manner that is consistent with uptake via OCT3 and the presence of this protein in CGNs explains their sensitivity to MPP+ toxicity.