lunicalcipol

Lunicalcipol (CTA018) is a synthetic vitamin D analog developed for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and for the management of psoriasis. It functions as a dual-action agent, acting as both a vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonist and an inhibitor of the enzyme CYP24A1. CYP24A1 is the primary enzyme responsible for the catabolism of active vitamin D metabolites; by inhibiting this enzyme, lunicalcipol helps maintain higher levels of endogenous calcitriol while simultaneously providing direct VDR activation to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. This dual mechanism is intended to provide potent PTH suppression with a reduced risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia compared to traditional vitamin D sterols. The drug was originally developed by Cytochroma, which was subsequently acquired by OPKO Health.

Other names

lunicalcipolum