A new real-world study published in Osteoporosis International demonstrates that the teriparatide biosimilar RGB-10 achieves therapeutic effects consistent with the reference product in treating postmenopausal women with high-risk osteoporosis.
Study Design and Patient Demographics
The retrospective analysis evaluated 50 postmenopausal women with very high fracture risk, equally divided between RGB-10 and reference teriparatide groups. Both treatments were administered as 20 μg daily subcutaneous doses over a two-year period. The patient populations were well-matched, with mean ages of 68.5 and 68.4 years for the RGB-10 and reference groups, respectively.
Comprehensive Bone Health Assessment
Researchers employed multiple advanced imaging and assessment techniques to evaluate treatment efficacy, including:
- Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
- 3D-SHAPER imaging
- Trabecular bone score (TBS)
- Quantitative ultrasound (QUS)
- High-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HRpQCT)
Key Efficacy Findings
Both RGB-10 and reference teriparatide demonstrated significant improvements in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) at 12 and 24 months. The RGB-10 group showed notable increases in integral volumetric BMD and achieved significant improvement in TBS at 12 months. Importantly, no statistical differences were observed between the treatment groups across any measurement parameters or time points.
Safety and Clinical Outcomes
The study reported no incident fractures during the treatment period for either group. Both treatments showed similar safety profiles, with no significant differences in adverse events between RGB-10 and the reference product.
Treatment Landscape Context
The development of RGB-10 follows the 2019 patent expiration of Eli Lilly's original teriparatide (Forteo). This has led to several biosimilar approvals in Europe, including Terrosa, Movymia, Livogiva, Sondelbay, and Kauliv, expanding treatment options for osteoporosis patients.
Clinical Implications
While acknowledging the study's retrospective nature as a limitation, the researchers emphasized the significance of RGB-10's consistent performance across multiple bone health parameters. These findings support RGB-10 as a valuable alternative for clinicians treating high-risk osteoporosis patients, potentially improving treatment accessibility.
