A bounded review of two randomized fracture trials in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, including one placebo comparison and one active comparison with risedronate.12
Bottom line from this bounded source set
Both reviewed trials reported fewer new vertebral fractures with teriparatide than with the comparator. The active-comparator trial did not find a statistically significant difference for its nonvertebral fragility-fracture endpoint.12
Reviewed study record
Placebo-controlled fracture trial
Design
A randomized placebo-controlled trial assessed new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures and bone mineral density over a median observation period of 21 months.1
Population
The trial randomized 1,637 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and prior vertebral fractures.1
Outcomes reported
New vertebral fractures occurred in 14% of the placebo group and 5% and 4% of the two teriparatide groups; nonvertebral fragility fractures occurred in 6% and 3%, respectively.1
Limitations
The population had established postmenopausal osteoporosis with prior vertebral fractures, so the results do not establish effects in people with different baseline risk.1
Reviewed study record
VERO active-comparator fracture trial
Design
A sponsor-funded, double-blind, double-dummy randomized trial compared teriparatide with risedronate over 24 months, with new radiographic vertebral fractures as the primary outcome.2
Population
The trial randomized 1,360 postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis and qualifying vertebral fractures.2
Outcomes reported
New vertebral fractures were reported in 5.4% of the teriparatide group and 12.0% of the risedronate group. The reported nonvertebral fragility-fracture difference was not statistically significant.2
Limitations
The sponsor-funded results apply to women with severe osteoporosis and existing vertebral-fracture history; the nonvertebral endpoint remained statistically uncertain.2
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked August 19, 2026 for DOI 10.1056/nejm200105103441904. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked August 19, 2026 for DOI 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)32137-2. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗