Calcimimetics for Treating Hyperparathyroidism

Calcimimetics represent a class of pharmacological agents that activate the extracellular calcium receptor. The receptor is expressed at high levels in the parathyroid glands, thyroidal C-cells, and the kidney. Calcimimetics can suppress parathyroid functions and decrease the circulating levels of parathyroid hormone. Because of these pharmacological effects, calcimimetics can control abnormalities of the parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism. The emergence of calcimimetics has advanced clinical practice to manage hyperparathyroidism and related hypercalcemia. This article summarizes the basic characteristics of calcimimetics and then specifically refers to three calcimimetics used clinically: cinacalcet hydrochloride, evocalcet, and etelcalcetide hydrochloride.