Calcitonin and Bone Peptides
7 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AdrenomedullinAdrenomedullin (ADM) is a vasoactive peptide of the calcitonin/CGRP family that circulates in a biologically inactive pro‑form (mid‑regional pro‑ADM). It is being investigated for its role as a biomarker of infection severity, heart‑failure congestion, and endothelial barrier integrity, and as a potential therapeutic target in cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
- Calcitonin gene-related peptideCalcitonin gene‑related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide involved in vascular tone and pain signalling. Research has focused on its role in migraine, where elevated CGRP contributes to headache generation. Therapies that block CGRP or its receptor—monoclonal antibodies and small‑molecule antagonists (gepants)—have shown preventive and acute efficacy in clinical trials.
- Dibotermin alfaDibotermin alfa is a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‑2 (rhBMP‑2) approved for surgical use to promote bone healing. Delivered locally on an absorbable collagen sponge, it is employed in orthopaedic procedures such as treatment of open tibial fractures and lumbar spinal fusion, where it aims to accelerate bone formation and reduce the need for additional surgeries.
- ElcatoninElcatonin is a synthetic eel‑derived calcitonin analogue approved for prescription use in osteoporosis and related bone pain. It is administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection and has been studied for chronic back/knee pain, acute vertebral fracture pain, and its ability to increase lumbar bone mineral density over several years.
- Eptotermin alfaEptotermin alfa, also known as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‑7 (rhBMP‑7) or Osigraft, is a biologic implant used to stimulate bone healing in challenging non‑union fractures and spinal pseudoarthroses. Although once marketed as a prescription product, it has been withdrawn. Clinical reports describe its use as an implantable putty placed during revision surgery to promote fusion where conventional grafting may fail.
- IntermedineIntermedine is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) commonly found in plants such as comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and in some herbal preparations. It is investigated mainly for its toxicological profile rather than therapeutic use. Research has focused on its presence in herbal medicines, bee products, and its ability to cause cellular damage in liver and neural cells when exposure exceeds safety limits.
- Salmon calcitoninSalmon calcitonin (sCT) is a peptide hormone belonging to the calcitonin family, approved for prescription use. It is administered by injection (intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous) or as a nasal spray. Clinically it is employed to inhibit bone resorption in osteoporosis, particularly glucocorticoid‑induced forms, and to provide analgesic relief in bone‑related pain.