| abstract |
This invention provides novel 1$g(a)-hydroxyvitamin D compounds, methods for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds. The new compounds, which are characterized structurally by having a cyclopentane ring as part of their side chains, exhibit highly pronounced biological activity, both in terms of their effect on calcium metabolism and their effect on differentiating malignant cells to normal cells. By virtue of their biological properties, the new vitamin D analogs are effective as calcium-regulating, or differentiation-inducing agents, and thus find application as therapeutic agents in the treatment or prophylaxis of bone-related as well as neoplastic diseases. |