Contemporary and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in Hypoparathyroidism: From Conventional Treatment to Restoration of Parathyroid Function

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a relatively rare condition characterised by inadequately low levels of calcium and low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), or a complete absence of PTH. In consequence, the body loses its ability to correctly regulate the calcium and phosphate metabolism. Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and high phosphorus levels (hyperphosphataemia) are observed in the blood serum of patients. Conventional therapy remains the treatment of choice, involving calcium supplementation (most often calcium carbonate) and active forms of vitamin D, such as alfacalcidol or calcitriol. However, this treatment does not always provide optimal control of the disease or a satisfying quality of life for patients. In recent years, development of therapies using PTH analogues has been observed, as well as intensive research into new pharmacological strategies modulating the PTH/PTH1R signalling pathway. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge on methods of treatment of hypoparathyroidism and to discuss the prospects for the development of new therapeutic strategies.