Active — Not RecruitingPhase 4

Novel Combination Therapy for Osteoporosis in Men

United States40 participantsStarted 2019-07-01

Plain-language summary

Osteoporotic fractures are a key health problem in older men. Although there are drugs approved to treat osteoporosis in men \[bisphosphonates, denosumab, and teriparatide (TPTD) or PTH(1-34)\], there is a lack of knowledge on how to use them effectively. TPTD is a potent bone anabolic drug, meaning that it builds bone mass. However, doctors do not know if it should only be used as single drug or whether it can be more effectively combined to achieve the most benefit? This trial will test a novel combination therapy for osteoporosis in men based on exciting laboratory findings in mice. TPTD works to raise bone mass and improve bone strength by stimulating PTH receptors (PTH-Rs) on the membranes of bone-forming cells or osteoblasts (OBs). Calcimimetics are drugs that activate calcium receptors (CaSRs) in OBs. CaSRs in OBs participate in new bone formation. Daily injections of TPTD, given along with a calcimimetic drug (called NPS-R568), over 6 weeks markedly improved bone mineral density (BMD) and structure in mice. This study will test whether the combined activation of PTH-Rs and CaSRs (by the combination treatment of TPTD+calcimimetic cinacalcet) in men will produce greater bone forming responses than PTH-R activation alone (TPTD+placebo). The study has two aims and will be done in 48 men with low bone mass: (1) to determine the effects of 11 months treatment with TPTD+cinacalcet vs TPTD+placebo on BMD and bone metabolism by assessing lumbar spine BMD (primary endpoint), femoral neck BMD, and levels of the bone formation marker serum N-terminal pro-peptide of type 1 collagen; (2) to determine the biochemical responses by blood tests in men who receive the combination of TPTD+cinacalcet compared to men who get TPTD+placebo treatment. This is done by quantifying acute and chronic changes in serum calcium and PTH levels right after these drugs are given and how much calcium is excreted in the urine over time, with both treatment regimens. This study will help to understand whether an effective combination therapy in mice will prove to be effective in men.

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years – 85 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * DXA BMD T-score \< or = -2.0 at either lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) or total hip (TH) sites; or DXA BMD T-score \< or = -1.5 with at least one additional important clinical risk factor for osteoporotic fracture \[e.g., fragility fracture after age 50 years; parental history of hip fracture; history of hypogonadism, prior glucocorticoid therapy (\>3 months prior), current smoking, prevalent vertebral fracture(s), or prior hyperthyroidism on stable treatment\] * At least 2 LS vertebral levels with reliable BMD values (i.e., at least 2 without compression or hardware) Exclusion Criteria: * Metabolic bone disease other than osteoporosis (e.g., Paget's disease, hyperparathyroidism) * Any osteoporosis drug therapy within 12 months; any prior course of TPTD for \> or = 3 months; any history of IV bisphosphonate therapy; oral bisphosphonate therapy exceeding 3 months in past 2 years; oral bisphosphonate treatment exceeding 2 years ever; or use of denosumab (within the past 3 years or \> 3 or = injections ever). * Oral glucocorticoid use (\> or = 5 mg prednisone) taken within 3 months prior to enrollment * Hypercalcemia (albumin-corrected serum \[Ca\] \>10.2 mg/dL), hypocalcemia (albumin-corrected serum \[Ca\] \<8.8 mg/dL), elevated intact PTH level, or hypercalciuria (urinary Ca \>300 mg/24 hours) at screening * 25 OH vitamin D levels \<20 ng/ml or \>80 ng/ml at screening * Estimated glomerular filtration rate \< 30 ml/min (chronic kidney disease (CKD…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Effects of treatment with TPTD+cinacalcet compared to TPTD+PBO on lumbar spine BMD in men with low bone mass

Timeframe: 48 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03994172

SponsorVA Office of Research and Development

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Male Osteoporosis trials