menatetrenone

Menatetrenone is a synthetic form of vitamin K2 (specifically menaquinone-4) developed by Eisai Co., Ltd. for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It acts as an essential cofactor for the enzyme vitamin K-dependent gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX). This enzyme facilitates the gamma-carboxylation of glutamate residues in osteocalcin (bone Gla protein), a protein synthesized by osteoblasts. The carboxylation of osteocalcin significantly increases its binding affinity for hydroxyapatite, thereby promoting bone mineralization and improving bone quality. Beyond its role in osteocalcin activation, menatetrenone has been shown to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and may stimulate osteoblast differentiation. It is approved in Japan as a second-line treatment for osteoporosis and has been evaluated in Phase 3 clinical trials in other regions, such as China, where it demonstrated efficacy in increasing bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and trochanter.

Brand names

Glakay

Other names

vitamin K2menaquinone-4menaquinone4menaquinone 4MK4MK-4MK 4