Pramlintide vs Teriparatide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Pramlintide
Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic analog of amylin, FDA-approved as an adjunct to insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control post-meal blood sugar spikes and promotes modest weight loss.
Full details →Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Pramlintide | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics amylin's effects: slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon secretion after meals, and promotes satiety through central mechanisms. Complements insulin therapy. | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. |
| Typical Dosage | Type 1: Start 15mcg before meals, titrate to 30-60mcg. Type 2: Start 60mcg, may increase to 120mcg. Always with meal containing 30+ grams carbs or 250+ calories. | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection immediately before major meals. Must reduce mealtime insulin by 50% when starting to prevent hypoglycemia. Never mix with insulin. | Subcutaneous injection in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (very common initially), headache, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. GI effects typically improve over time. | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. |
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