Efficacy of once-weekly teriparatide versus alendronate in Chinese postmenopausal osteoporosis: a randomised, open-label, active-controlled, 48-week, multicentre phase III study

Objectives: This randomised controlled trial assessed the effectiveness and safety of weekly 56.5 μg teriparatide (SAL056) compared to alendronate in postmenopausal women in China with osteoporosis at high risk of fractures over 48 weeks. Methods: This phase 3, multicentre, randomised, open-label, active-controlled, parallel-group, non-inferiority trial enrolled postmenopausal women aged 45-80 years with osteoporosis at 37 centres in China. Participants were randomised (1:1) to receive either subcutaneous teriparatide 56.5 μg weekly or 70 mg oral alendronate weekly for 48 weeks, with the primary efficacy assessment at Week 48. Results: > 0.05). Teriparatide was generally safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: Teriparatide (56.5 μg once weekly) was more effective than alendronate in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis with a high fracture risk, significantly increasing L1-L4 BMD over 48 weeks. It was safe, well tolerated, and had a safety profile similar to that of Teribone®. The translational potential of this article: This study demonstrates that once-weekly teriparatide significantly improves bone mineral density and reduces fracture risk in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. As a patient-friendly alternative to daily injections, it may enhance adherence and inform clinical guidelines, representing a promising strategy for patients and healthcare systems.