The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) warmly welcomes the decision to approve teriparatide for use in men in Wales – another step forward in the fight for fair and effective treatment for everyone affected by osteoporosis. 

This decision will ensure that men at risk of fractures in Wales can now access a treatment option previously unavailable to them. 

While teriparatide has been available for men in England for several years – in line with NICE guidance – those living just across the border in Wales were denied access, creating an unfair postcode lottery. Women in Wales have long had access to this treatment where clinically appropriate, highlighting an inequity in osteoporosis care that today's decision helps to close. 

Teriparatide, a bone-building (anabolic) treatment, works by stimulating new bone growth. As the only anabolic treatment licensed for men with osteoporosis, its availability now represents a vital new option for clinicians and patients working to prevent life-altering fractures. 

ROS played a leading role in advocating for this change. Through consultation with the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), and with support from patients, clinicians, and our partners, we made the case for equality of access. 

The decision addresses a key policy recommendation made in the recent report of the APPG for Osteoporosis and Bone Health - Equal Access to Strong Bones: Addressing the treatment gap in osteoporosis. The report made the case for the availability of NICE approved osteoporosis  medicines to everyone that needs them. 

This is a huge step forward. Health Boards across Wales now must ensure that teriparatide is made available without delay to the men who need it. We’ll also continue supporting the Welsh Government in the roll-out of Fracture Liaison Services to ensure no one misses out on diagnosis or care. 

This decision shows what can be achieved when we listen to patients, follow the evidence, and put fairness at the heart of our healthcare system. 

Dr Inder Singh, National Clinical Lead, Bone Health Wales said, "Approval of teriparatide for men in Wales is another step forward where the people in Wales will have more equity of osteoporosis care with respect to gender and border. I would like to thank Stuart Keeping (Appraisal Scientist, AWTTC), Dr James Coulson (Chair of AWTTC), all the members of AWTTC for their support, and ROS for advocating for this change. "