Compare Peptides
Select any two compounds for a side-by-side comparison of mechanism, uses, risks, and FDA regulatory status.
Popular comparisons
A 32-amino acid peptide hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates calcium and bone metabolism. The salmon-derived form (sCT) is FDA-approved for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. One of the earliest peptide drugs.
A recombinant fragment of parathyroid hormone (amino acids 1-34) FDA-approved for osteoporosis. The first anabolic (bone-building) agent approved for osteoporosis, as opposed to anti-resorptive drugs that only slow bone loss.
Binds to calcitonin receptors on osteoclasts, directly inhibiting bone resorption. Also has analgesic properties for bone pain through central nervous system mechanisms that are not fully understood. Salmon calcitonin is 40-50x more potent than human calcitonin.
Intermittent exposure to PTH(1-34) paradoxically stimulates osteoblast activity more than osteoclast activity, resulting in net bone formation. This is opposite to the bone-resorbing effect of continuously elevated PTH in hyperparathyroidism.
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Paget's disease of bone
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Bone pain relief
- Severe osteoporosis
- Fracture risk reduction
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
- Bone healing acceleration
- Nasal irritation (nasal spray)
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Possible increased cancer risk with long-term use (FDA warning)
- Antibody formation reducing efficacy over time
- Osteosarcoma risk (boxed warning — based on rat studies at high doses)
- Hypercalcemia
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Leg cramps
- Nausea
- Limited to 2 years of use
FDA-approved as Miacalcin (injection, 1986; nasal spray, 1995) and Fortical (nasal spray). Largely superseded by bisphosphonates and newer agents for osteoporosis but still used for acute bone pain and Paget's disease.
FDA-approved as Forteo (2002) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high fracture risk. Limited to 2 years of treatment due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk. Biosimilar (Tymlos/abaloparatide is a related but distinct peptide).
This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy.