lunacalcipol

Lunacalcipol is a synthetic vitamin D analog and a member of a new class of compounds known as Vitamin D Signal Amplifiers. It exhibits a dual mechanism of action, functioning both as a potent inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 24A1 (CYP24A1) (the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of vitamin D) and as an agonist/activator of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR), thereby amplifying vitamin D signaling pathways. Preclinical studies demonstrated that lunacalcipol inhibits proliferation in rapidly dividing cells such as human epidermal keratinocytes and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, suggesting potential utility in conditions like psoriasis. The drug was developed primarily for clinical consequences related to vitamin D insufficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease, plaque psoriasis, and other indications. Lunacalcipol advanced to Phase 2 clinical trials but its development has since been discontinued[1][2][3][4][6].

Other names

lunacalcipol [USAN]