WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃) is a highly potent regulator of calcium homeostasis and plays an established role in cellular differentiation. An important class of vitamin D analogs, the 19-nor-vitamin D compounds, shows high cell differentiation activity and minimal calcemic activity, making these analogs excellent candidates for a variety of pharmaceutical uses.

UW–Madison researchers have developed two new vitamin D₃ analogs, (22E)-(24R/S)-2-methylene-22-dehydro-1α,24,25-trihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D₃, known as WT-51 and WT-52. These compounds show activity similar to that of the native hormone in stimulating intestinal calcium transport, but are up to 10 times more potent in promoting cell differentiation and gene transcription.

• Treating osteoporosis, osteomalacia and osteopenia
• Improving bone strength and density
• Treating skin issues such as psoriasis, wrinkles, dryness and acne
• Potential anti-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon, breast and prostate cancers
• Fighting obesity
• Treating immune disorders in humans, including multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes mellitus, host-versus-graft reaction and organ transplant rejection
• Treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases

• Extremely effective in increasing bone density without affecting serum calcium levels
• Compound may be administered in many forms

For More Information About the Inventors

• Margaret Clagett-Dame

Tech Fields

• Therapeutics & Vaccines : Musculoskeletal
• Therapeutics & Vaccines : Vitamin D