Long-acting parathyroid hormone treatment for hypoparathyroidism
Official title: Long-acting PTH for hypoparathyroidism
Funded at Extend Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11179115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-lasting parathyroid hormone medicine designed to help people with hypoparathyroidism keep their calcium levels steady and take fewer pills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Extend Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $999,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK138647-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism who currently rely on supplemental calcium and active vitamin D and who are willing to attend clinic visits for monitoring would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without hypoparathyroidism, or those with medical contraindications to PTH therapy (for example certain cancers or severe uncontrolled conditions), are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
This project is developing a long-acting form of parathyroid hormone (PTH) to replace missing hormone in people with hypoparathyroidism. Researchers will study how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated and will measure blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, and markers of bone turnover. Safety checks will include monitoring for heart rhythm changes, kidney effects, and other adverse events. The aim is to mimic natural PTH activity so patients need less oral calcium and active vitamin D and face fewer long-term complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could keep calcium levels more stable, reduce daily pill burden, and lower risks of kidney stones, soft-tissue calcifications, and bone problems.
How similar studies have gone: Continuous pump delivery of PTH has shown the ability to normalize calcium and bone markers in prior trials, while long-acting injectable PTH formulations are newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Extend Biosciences, INC.
Newton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hales, Laura M — Extend Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hales, Laura M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Parathyroid cell transplantation to treat hypoparathyroidism
A doctor-scientist team at a major university plans a parathyroid cell transplant to help people with chronic hypoparathyroidism reduce dependence on calcium and vitamin D supplements.
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Understanding hypoparathyroidism effects on calcium and organ health
This project follows people with hypoparathyroidism to learn how low parathyroid hormone and calcium levels affect organs and overall health over time.
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Understanding the effects of hypoparathyroidism on health outcomes.
This study is looking at hypoparathyroidism, a rare condition that causes low hormone and calcium levels, to better understand how it affects health and leads to problems like kidney issues and heart complications, so we can improve how it's diagnosed and treated for those living with it.
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A new treatment for low parathyroid hormone levels in patients with hypoparathyroidism
This study is testing a new way to deliver parathyroid hormone continuously for people with hypoparathyroidism, aiming to help balance calcium and phosphorus levels in the body and make life easier compared to taking multiple daily supplements.
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German Hypoparathyroidism Registry
This registry in Germany collects information from adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism to better understand how the condition affects people over time and to support future research.
-
Encaleret for Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: Testing if it helps symptoms and safety
This study tests whether taking encaleret pills can help people with chronic hypoparathyroidism, while being safe and tolerable.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.