Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 151 published studies, 71 human. 1 registered clinical trial.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
Elcatonin is a synthetic calcitonin analogue based on eel calcitonin, used in Japan and some Asian markets for osteoporosis-related pain management. Like salmon calcitonin, it slows bone breakdown, but its primary use in practice is for the pain of spinal fractures rather than fracture prevention.
Elcatonin is also known by these brand and alternate names:
151 published studies: 71 human, 54 animal, 16 in-vitro, 8 reviews
Elcatonin is marketed as Elcitonin (Asahi Kasei) in Japan and some Asian markets. It has been available since 1981 in those regions. It is not approved by the FDA or EMA.
Studies conducted in Japan indicate elcatonin is inferior to bisphosphonates for increasing bone density but may have specific utility for pain associated with vertebral fractures. Its regulatory status is limited to certain Asian jurisdictions, and its clinical evidence base does not meet FDA/EMA approval standards.
Elcatonin acts on the same calcitonin receptor as salmon calcitonin, inhibiting osteoclast activity and reducing bone breakdown. Research suggests it may also produce analgesic effects on bone pain through central nervous system pathways. The ethylene bridge modification provides greater chemical stability than the natural disulfide bond found in other calcitonin preparations.
Research suggests Japanese studies indicate elcatonin is less effective than bisphosphonates for increasing bone density but may have specific utility for pain associated with vertebral fractures. The 2012 cancer signal identified for salmon calcitonin by European regulators raises questions about whether elcatonin carries similar risks, though this has not been specifically evaluated. The evidence base is limited to regional studies without the large international fracture prevention trials that would be required for FDA or EMA approval. No head-to-head comparisons with modern osteoporosis treatments (denosumab, romosozumab) exist.
PeptideTrace tracks 1 registered clinical trial for Elcatonin sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Prospective Study Evaluating the Medullary Thyroid Cancer Management's Care Using PET F-DOPA in Patients With a High Level of Postoperative Residual Thyrocalcitonin
Elcatonin is a synthetic eel calcitonin analogue, 32-amino-acid peptide, MW ~3,363 Da. Disulfide bridge replaced by ethylene bridge (Asu1,7) for stability. C-terminal prolinamide preserved. Approved in Japan/Asia for osteoporosis pain; never FDA/EMA approved. IM 10-20 units weekly. Half-life ~15-45 minutes.
Research suggests binding to calcitonin receptor (CTR, class B GPCR) on osteoclasts. Gs/cAMP/PKA and Gq/PLC/Ca2+ signaling cause osteoclast ruffled border retraction, cessation of acid/enzyme secretion, actin ring disruption. Reduces serum calcium and bone turnover. Analgesic effect via central serotonergic pathways (CTR in periaqueductal gray/nucleus raphe magnus).
Marketed as Elcitonin (Asahi Kasei) in Japan/Asia. Not FDA/EMA-approved. Available since 1981. OCEAN study (Phase III, Japan; N=261): lumbar BMD 1.64% vs. 8.63% with alendronate (inferior for BMD) but significant analgesic effect. Meta-analysis: ~30-40% vertebral fracture risk reduction with calcitonins. Primary use: pain in acute vertebral fractures.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
