Successful Phase III trial for Natpara (NPS Pharma) for Hypoparathyroidism

Positive top-line results were announced in November 2011 from the Phase III REPLACE study of NPSP 558,(Natpara) from NPS Pharma, the bioengineered replica of human parathyroid hormone, or rhPTH 1-84, in adult hypoparathyroidism patients. Fifty three per cent of the Natpara-treated patients in the intent-to-treat analysis achieved the primary endpoint of a 50% or greater reduction in oral calcium supplementation and active vitamin D therapy, plus a total serum calcium concentration that was normalized or maintained compared to baseline after 24 weeks of treatment, versus 2% on placebo. At week 24, 43% of patients treated with Natpara were able to achieve independence from active vitamin D therapy and a calcium supplementation dose of 500 mg/day or less, versus 5% on placebo.