| abstract |
This invention relates to novel alpha-hydroxyvitamin D compounds, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds. Said new compounds are structurally characterized in that they have a ring of cyclopentane forming part of their side chains, exhibit a very pronounced biological activity, both by their effect on calcium metabolism and by their effect of differentiation of malignant cells compared to normal cells. Thanks to their biological properties, the new analogs of vitamin D are effective as calcium regulating agents, or inducers of differentiation, and therefore find an application as therapeutic agents in the treatment or prophylaxis of bone related diseases as well as neoplastic diseases. |