WARF TECHNOLOGIES

The hormonally active form of vitamin D, known as calcitriol or 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D₃, has shown promise for treating diseases ranging from osteoporosis to cancer to psoriasis. However, the hormone mobilizes calcium from bones and increases intestinal absorption of dietary calcium. Effective therapeutic concentrations can lead to hypercalcemia; a condition characterized by elevated blood calcium levels, alterations in mental status, muscle weakness and calcification of soft tissues and organs such as the heart and kidneys. Therefore, a need exists for new compounds that provide desirable therapeutic effects without causing dose-limiting hypercalcemia.

UW–Madison researchers have developed a vitamin D analog, seco-A-2,19-dinor-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. Known as DA2HE, the compound exhibits high activity in vivo, especially in intestinal tissues. Relatively low receptor binding, differentiation and transcription activities suggest strong cell selectivity for use against polyps, some cancers and intestinal disorders. The compound’s high intestinal calcium transport activity may be useful against bone diseases.

• Therapy for polyps and colon cancer 
• Treating and preventing Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and other intestinal disorders
• Treating bone diseases

• High intestinal activity
• Potential for strong cell selectivity
• Less likely to cause dose-limiting hypercalcemia than calcitriol
• Can be administered in many forms

For More Information About the Inventors

• Margaret Clagett-Dame

Tech Fields

• Therapeutics & Vaccines : Autoimmune disorders
• Therapeutics & Vaccines : Oncology
• Therapeutics & Vaccines : Vitamin D