menadiol sodium diphosphate

Menadiol diphosphate (commonly administered as the tetrasodium salt, menadiol sodium diphosphate) is a synthetic, water-soluble analog of vitamin K3. Unlike naturally occurring vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinones), which are fat-soluble and require bile salts for intestinal absorption, menadiol diphosphate is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This property makes it particularly effective for treating vitamin K deficiency in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes, such as cystic fibrosis with pancreatic insufficiency. Once absorbed, it is converted into active forms of vitamin K that serve as essential cofactors for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase. This enzyme facilitates the post-translational carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in vitamin K-dependent proteins, including coagulation factors (II, VII, IX, and X) and bone matrix proteins like osteocalcin. In clinical research, specifically a Phase 3 trial led by Barts and the London NHS Trust, it is being evaluated for its ability to improve bone mineral density and markers of bone formation in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis, who are at high risk for osteoporosis due to chronic deficiency.

Brand names

SynkavitKappadione

Other names

menadiol diphosphatevitamin K3menadiol phosphatetetrasodium 2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-diyl bis(phosphate)