[Development, chemistry, and clinical pharmacology of fully synthetic human calcitonin (author's transl)].

The chemistry and identity of fully synthetic human calcitonin are discussed briefly, with particular reference to the evolution of this hormone. The principal effects of the substance on bone demonstrable by clinicochemical means are illustrated by the results of clinicopharmacological studies in patients suffering from Paget's disease. The potential usefulness of calcitonin in the treatment of osteoporosis is exemplified by reference to the relations between sex hormones and calcitonin. The main differences in the acute effects of calcitonin on the kidney and electrolyte balance in healthy persons and patients with Paget's disease are analysed on the basis of data from comparative human pharmacological and clinicopharmacological studies.