NO. - VITAMIN D ANALOGS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[O00J j This invention relates to vitamin D compounds, and more particularly to 2~ methyIene^22E.^25~hexanoyl-24-oxo-26,27-cyclo~22^ehydro-l9-n or-vitamin D analogs and their pharmaceutical uses.

{0002} The natural hormone, 1 a,25-dihydroxyvitamin % and its analog in ergosierol series, i.e. I a,25-dihydroxwitami ^' n D ₂ are known to be highly potent regulators of calcium homeostasis in animals and humans, and their activity in cellular differentiation has also been established, Ostrem et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84 _> 2610 (1987). Many structural analogs of these metabolites have been prepared and tested, including Ια- hydroxyvitamin ¾ 1 a-hydroxy vitamin ¾, various side chain homologated vitamins and fluorinated analogs.. Some of these compounds exhibit an interesting separation of activities in cell differentiation and calcium regulation. This difference in activity may be useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases such as renal osteodystrophy, vitamin D- resistarst rickets, osteoporosis, psoriasis, and certain .malignancies.

{0003] Another class of vitamin D analogs, i.e. the so called l9~nor-vitam.in D compounds, is characterised by the replacement of the A-ring exocyclie methylene group (carbon 19), typical of the vitamin D system, by two hydrogen atoms. Biological testing of several 19-nor-analogs (e.g., ί rx,25-dthydroxy- 19-nor-vitamin ¾} revealed a selective activity profile with high potency in inducing cellular differentiation, and reduced calcium mobilizing activity. Thus, some of these compounds are potentially useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of malignancies, or the treatment of various skin disorders. Two different methods of synthesis of such 1 -nor-vitamin D analogs have been described (Perlman et al. Tetrahedron Lett. 31, 1823 (.1990); Perlman et ah, Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1 91), and .DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,1 1 ).

[00041 In U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,634, 2p-hydroxy and alkoxy (e.g., E -71) analogs of

1 a^S-dihydroxyvitamin D? have been described and examined as potential drags for osteoporosis and as antitumor agents. See also Okano et al.. Biochem. Biophys. es. Commun. 163, 1444 (1989). Other 2-substituted (with hydroxyalkyl, e.g., ED- 120, and fluoroalkyl groups) A -ring analogs of 1 a ₅ 25-dmydroxy vitamin D? have also been prepared and tested (Miyamoto et a!., Chem. Pharm. Bull 41, 1 1 1 1 ( 1993); ishii et al, Osteoporosis fat Suppl I, 190 ( 1 93); Posner et al., J. Org. Chem. 59, 7855 (1994), and Org. Chera. 60, 4617 (1995», as have analogs with a eyclopropyl group in the side chain (e.g. MC-903 known as calcipotriene and described in Nishii et al US. Patent 5,063,221 ), fiKKlSj 2-substituted analogs of 10,25-dihydroxy- 19-nor-vitarain D have also been synthesized, i.e. compounds substituted at 2-position with hydroxy or alkoxy groups (DeLuea et ah, U.S. Pat. No, 5,536,713), with 2-aIkyl groups CDeLuca et al U.S. Patent No, 5,945,410), and with 2-aiky!idene groups (DeLuea et al U.S. Patent No. 5,843,928), which exhibit interesting and selective activity profiles. All these studies indicate that binding sites in vitamin D receptors can accommodate different substituents at C-2 in the synthesized vitamin D analogs.

J0A ) m a continuing effort to explore the 1 -nor class of pharmacologically important vitamin D compounds, analogs which are characterized by the presence of a methylene substrtuent at carbon 2 (C-2). a hydroxy! group at both carbon 1 (C-l) and carbon 3 (C-3), and a shortened side chain attached to carbon 20 C-20) have also been synthesized and tested, I a-hydroxy-2-melhylene- ί -nor-pregnaealci ferol is described in U.S. Patent 6,566.352 while I )ydroxy-2 ttiemylene-19-nor½imopi¾g}iacakiieroi is described in US. Patent 6,579,865 and ί a-hydroxy-2-methylene-l 9-nor- bishomopregnacalciforo! is described in US. Patent 6,627,622. All three of these compounds have relatively high binding activity to vitamin D receptors and relatively high cell differentiation activity, but little if any ealcemic activity as compared to l a,25- dihydroxyviiam i i>>. Their biological activities make these compounds excellent candidates for a variety of pharmaceutical uses, as set forth in the '352, Έ61 and '622 patents.

|<MM)7j i ^' 7-ene vitamin D compounds as well as vitamin D compounds having a double bond in the side chai thereof are also known, and ha ve been proposed for various pharmacological uses. Bone diseases such as osteoporosis, skin disorders such a psoriasis, cancers such as leukemia, and cosmetic conditions such as wrinkles are just some of the applications proposed for such conrpounds. 17-ene compounds are described in U.S. Patents 5,545,633; 5,929,056 and 6,399,79? while 2-alkylidene compounds having a side chain with a double bond therein are described in, for example, U.S. Patent 5,843,928.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0008) The present invention is directed toward 2>methyiene-(22E)-25-hexanoyi~

24-oxo-26,-2?-cyclo-22-dehydro- 1 -nor ^> itamin D analogs, their biological activity, and various pharmaceutical uses tor these compounds. These new vitamin. D compounds not known heretofore are- the- .1 -no.r- vitamin D analogs having a methylene group at the 2- position (C-2), an. oxo group attached to carbon 24 (€-24) of the side chain, a double bond located between carbon atoms 22 and 23 in the side chain, a hexanoyl stihstitoent attached to the 25-positio.n (C-25) in the side chain, and the carbon atoms of the methyl groups normally located at the 26 and 27 positions (C~26 and C-27) in the side chain, bonded together to form a three member ring with the carbon atom at position 25 in the side chain. These compounds may also be named, and may be referred to herein, especiall in the description of their synthesis herein and the Schemes, as 2-methyIene-{22E)-25~hexanoyl- 24-oxo-26,27-cycio-22-dehydro- 19-nor-vitaram D analogs. The preferred vitamin D analog is 2-raethylsne-(22E)-25-hexanoyl-24-oxo-2 27-eyclo-22-dehydro- 1 -nor- 1 cx- hydrox vitamin f¾ (hereinafter referred to as "UW-05").

|O0«9] Structurally these 2-raet ^: hylene-{22E)-25-hexanoyl-24-oxo-26 _} 27-cycIo-22- dehydro-i9~sK>r~ vitamin D analogs are characterized by the general formula I ^" shown below:

where X: ,anc! X; , which may be the same or different, are each selected from hydrogen or a hydroxy-protectmg group. The preferred analog is 2-metbylene-(22E)-25-hex.Mioyl-24-oxo- 26,27-cydo-22-dehydro-19-nor- 1 a-hydrox vitamin D.< which has the following formula la:

The above compounds L particularly la, exhibit a desired, and .highly advantageous, pattern of biological activity. These compounds are characterized by relatively high binding to vitamin D receptors, which is only slightly less than that of the native hormone l a,25- dihydroxyvitamin i¾. These compounds also have excellent ability to promote intestinal calcium transport in vivo. These compounds I, and particularly la, also have some ability to mobilize calcium from bone in a dose dependent manner, but they would be classified as having much lower bone calcium mobilizing activity as compared to .i «.,25-dihydroxyvi.tamin f¾. it is undesirable to raise serum calcium to supraphysiologic levels when suppressing the p.reprojmrathyroid hormone gene (Parwish & DeLuea, Arch. Bioehera. Biophys. 365, 1 3- 130, 1999) and parathyroid gland proliferation. These analogs having relatively low bone calcium mobilization activity while very active on cell differentiation are expected to be useful as a therapy for suppression of secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal osteodystrophy. fOfctiO] The compounds I, particularly la, of the invention have also been discovered to he especially suited for treatment and prophylaxis of human disorders which are characterized by an imbalance in the immune system, e.g. in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes mellitus, host versus graft rejection, and. rejection of organ transplants; and additionally for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Acne, alopecia and hypertension are other conditions which may b treated with the compounds of the invention,

fihll ll The above compounds L and particularly la, are also characterized by relatively high cell differentiation activity and in promoting transcription... Thus, these compounds also provide a therapeutic agent for the treatment of psoriasis, or as an anticancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and ^• prostate cancer. In addition, due to their relatively high cell differentiation activity, these compounds provide a therapeutic agent for the treatment of various skin conditions including, wrinkles, lack of adequate dermal hydration, i.e. dry skin, lack of adequate skin firmness, i.e. slack skin, and insufficient sebum secretion. Use of these compounds thus not only results in moisturizing: of skin but also improves the barrier function of skin.

[00.12) The compounds of the invention of formula I, and particularly formula la, are also useful in preventing or treating obesity, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, inhibiting SCD- i. gene transcription, and/or reducing body fat in animal subjects. Therefore, in some embodiments, a method, of preventing or treating obesity, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, inhibiting SCD-5 gene transcription, and/or reducing body fat in an animal subject includes administering to the animal subject, an effective amount of one or more of the compounds or a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more of the compounds of formula. I. Administration of one or more of the compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions to the subject inhibits adipocyte differentiation, inhibits gene transcription, and/or reduces body fat in the animal subject.

[0613) One or more of the compounds may be present in a composition to treat the above-noted diseases and disorders in an amount from about O.Olpg gm to about 1000 Ug gm of the composition, preferably from about O. l pg gm to about 500 pg gm of the composition, and may be administered topically, transdermal ^' ly. orally, rectally, nasally, soblingua ^' lly or parenterallv in dosages of from about 0.01 pg day to about 1000 pg day, preferably -from about O.ktg/day to about 500pg/day.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

S<> 14j in the drawings:

f00l5j Figures I -5 illustrate various biological activities of 2-methylene~( ^' 22E)-25- hexanoyl-24-oxo-26 _s 2?-cycIo-22-dehydro-19-nor- 1 tt-hydroxyvitaro.in D _?! herein referred to as "UW-05", as compared to the native hormone la _? 25-dihydrox vitamm £¼, hereinafter "1,25{0H> ₂ ¾"

|4Ηϊ1ί | Figure .1 is. a graph illustrating the relative activity of UW-05 and l ₍ 25(OH> ₂ Dj to compete for binding with ¾]~1 _} 25~(ΟΗ}Η¾ to the full-length recombinant rat vitamin D receptor;

(OO.I7j Figure 2 is a graph illustrating the percent HL-60 cell differentiation as a function of the concentration of UW-05 and },25(OHteD.?;

Ι0Θ.18] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the in vitro transcription activity of l ,2 (OFl} 0;5 as compared to UW-05;

|0019] Figure 4A is a graph illustrating the bone calcium mobilization activity of

1 ,25(()H) ₂ D;t as compared to UW-05 in a first gro up of animals;

(0020) figure 4 ^' B is a graph illustrating the bone calcium mobilization, activit of l ,25iOI-¾l¾ as compared to UW-05 in a second group of animals;

[0021] Figure 5A is a graph illustrating (he intestinal calcium transport activity of l ,25fO!-i _. ;i¾ as compared to CJW-05 in a first group of animals; and

[0022] Figure SB is a graph illustrating the intestinal calcium transport activity of

1 ,25(()H);-D^ as compared to UW-05 in a second group of animals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(0023) 2-methyieneH22E)^

1 ^iydroxyvitaroin lh (referred to herein as " UW-05") a 19-nor vitamin D analog which is characterised by the presence of a methylene subsistuent at the carbon 2 (C-2)„ an oxo group attached to carbon 24 (C-24) of the side chain, a double bond located between carbon atom positions 22 and 23 in the side chain, a hexanoyl substituent attached to the 25-position (C-25) in the side chain, and the carbon atoms of the methyl groups normally located at the 26 ^' and 27 positions (C-26 and€-27} in the side chain bonded together to form a three member ring with the carbon atom at position 25 in the side cha n, was synthesized and tested. Such vitamin D analog seemed an interesting target because the relatively small methylene group at the C-2 position should, not interfere with binding to the vitamin D receptor. Structurally, this 1 -nor analog is characterized by the general formula la previously illustrated herein, and its pro-drug (in protected hydroxy form) is characterized by general formula I previously illustrated herein.

|002 | The preparation of 2-methylene-(22E)-25-hes.a:noy!-24-oxo~2 ,27>cyc1o-

22-dehydro- 19~nor~vitsmin D analogs having the structure I can be accomplished by a common general method, i.e. see Schemes 1 and 11. Scheme 1 illustrates the method using vitamin I¾ as a starting material to generate dioi 1 and thereafter ketone 3, Ketone 3 is then condensed with the aliylie phosphine oxide 4 to the corresponding 2- ethylene- 19- nor-vitarain D analog 5 which in turn is converted to alcohol 6 and finally to aldehyde 7, as described hereinafter. The side chain is introduced by reaction of aldehyde 7 with reagent S to yield vitamin D analog 9 followed by deprotection at carbon I (CM) and carbon 3 (C-3) to yield the desired compound 10.

|0fl25 j in Scheme L protection of the hydroxy groups is provided by either an acyl group (Ac) or t-butyidiraethy!siiyi grou (TBS). Althoug Ac and TBS groups are preferred, any hydroxy-protectin group, as hereinafter defined, may be utilized during the reaction steps,

{00261 The condensation step in Scheme 1 forming analog 5 represents an application of the convergent synthesis concept, which has been applied effectively for the preparation of vitamin D compounds [e.g.. Lythgoe et at., i. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. L 590 (1978); Lythgoe, Chem. Soc. Rev. 9, 449 (1983); Toh et ai., J. Org. Chem. 48, 1414 ( 1983); Baggiolini et. aL i . Org. Chem. 51 3098 (1986); Sardina et a!,, .1. Org. Chem. 51, 1264 ( 1986); S. Org. Chem. 51, 1269 (1986); DeLuca et aL, U.S. Fa No. 5,086,1.91 ; DeLuca et aL, U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,713].

[0027) The reagent 8 is not known, St can be prepared by the method shown in

Scheme 11 herein (see the preparation of compound UW-05).

[0028J For the preparation of the required phosphme oxides of general structure 4, a synthetic route has been developed starting ^' from a methyl quimcate derivative which is easily obtained from commercial (1 R _! 3R _; 4S,5R)-(-)-qin.nie acid as described by Per naii et al, Tetrahedron Lett 32, 7663 ( 1991 ) and DeLuca et a!.., U.S. Pat No. 5,086, 191.

[0029) As used in the description and in the claims, the term "hydroxy-protecting group" signifies any group commonly used for the temporary protection of hydroxy functions, such as for example, alkoxycarbonyl, acy!, alkylsilyl or alkylarylsilyl groups (hereinafter referred to simply as "silyl" groups), and alkoxyalkyl groups, Alkoxycarbonyl protecting groups are alkyi-0-CO~ groupings such as methoxycarbonyl, ethoxyearbonyl, propoxycarhonyl isopropoxycarhonyl, butoxycarhonyl isobutoxycarhonyl, tert- butoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or allyloxycarbonyl. The term "acyl" signifies an alkanoyl group of 1 to 6 carbons, in all of its isomeric forms, or a carboxyalkanoyl group of i to 6 carbons, such as an oxalyl maionyl, suecinyl, glu aryl group, or an aromatic acyl group such as benzo l or a halo, nitro or a!kyi. substituted benzoyl group. The word "a!kyl" as used in the description or the claims, denotes a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical of 1 to 10 carbons, in all its isomeric forms. "Alkoxy" refers to any alkyl radical which is attached by oxygen, i.e. a group represented by "alkylO- "Alkoxyalkyl protecting groups are groupings such as methoxyraethyl, ethoxymethyl, methoxyeihoxyntethyl, or tetrahydroiuranyl and tetrahydropyranyl. Preferred siiy - proteeting groups are iri.methylsi.lyl, triethylsilyl t-butyldimethylsilyl, dibutyimethylsi!yi, diphenylmethyisilyl phenyldimethylsUyl, diphenyl-t-buty Iyi and analogous alkylated silyl radicals. The term "aryl" specifies a phenyl-, or an alkyl-, nitro- or halo-substituted phenyl group.

[0030) A "protected hydroxy* group is a hydroxy group dertvatised or protected by any of the above groups commonly used for the temporary or permanent protection of hydroxy functions, e.g. the sil l alkoxyalkyl acyl or alkoxycarbonyl groups, as previously defined. The terms "hydroxyalky!", "deoteroalk !" and ^luoroalkyl" refer to an alky! radical substituted by one or more hydroxy, deuterium or luoro groups respecti ely. An "alky Si dene" refers to a radical, having the general formula Ckl½, - where K is an integer. (0031 ) More specifically, reference should be made to the following illustrative examples and description as well as to Schemes I and 11 herein for a detailed illustration of the preparation of compound UW -05.

|0032 ^' j in this example specific products identified b Arabic numerals (L 2, 3) refer to the specific structures so identified in the Schemes I and 11

EXAMPLES

(0Θ33) Chemistry. Ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra were recorded with a Beckman-Coulter Dlj 530 UV/Vis spectrophotometer in the solvent noted. ⁵ H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were recorded at 400 MHz or 500 MHz with Brisker Instruments DMX-400 and DMX-500 Avance console spectrometers in the solvent noted. C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were recorded at 101 MHz or 126 M Hz with Broker Instruments DMX-400 and DM.X-500 Avance console spectrometers in the solvent noted. Chemical shifts (S) are reported downfield from internal Me ₄ Si (8 0.00). Electon impact (EI) mass spectra were recorded with Mieromass AutoSpec (Beverly, Mass.) instrument. .High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed on a Waters Associates liquid chromatogmph equipped with a Model Delia 600 solvent delivery system, a Model 600 Controller, a heodyne 77251 injector and a Model 2487 Dual λ Absorbanee Detector. Optical rotary values were recorded with Perkin-Blmer Model 343 polanmeier at the concentration and in the solvent noted.

Example I

10034] Preparation of 2- ethylene-(22E)-25-Hexanoyl-24-Oxo-26 _> 27-Cyclo-22-

Dehydro-l a-Hydroxy~.l 9-Nor- Vitamin ¾ (Compound OW-05; 10} (see Scheme Ϊ).

100351 Des-,4,.j9-23,24-dinoreholane-8,22-diol (1). A solution of vitamin !¾ (5.00 g; 12.7 mmol) in methanol (400 .ml) and pyridine (5 ml) was cooled to -78*0 while purging with argon. The argon, stream was stopped and stream of ozone was passed until blue color appeared. The solution was purged with, oxygen until blue color disappeared and treated with NaBH* ( .1.20 g; 31 .7 mmol). A fter 20 rain, the second portion of aBMj ( 1 .20 g; 31.7 mmol) was added and reaction, was allowed to warm to room temperature. The third portion of NaBH* (1.20 g; 31.7 mmoi) was added and reaction mixture was .stirred at mora temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched with water (70 ml) and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was extracted with methylene dichioride (3 x 100 ml). The organic phase was washed with 1 M aqueous solution of HO (2 J 00 mi), saturated aqueous solution of NaHCOj { .100 .ml), dried over anhydrous MgSOi _f and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (25% ethyl aceiate/hexane) to yield 2.05 g (9.69 mmoi; 76% yield) of diol I as white crystals. <] _D - ÷56,0 (c 0.95, CttCh); mp 1 10- 1 1 PC: Ή MR (400 MHz, CDCIs)™ 0.96 <3H, $), 1.03 (3H ₅ d, J = 6.6 Hz), 3.38 (I II dd, - 10.5 Hz, J= 6.8 Hz), 3.64 (1H ₅ dd, J ~ 10.5 3.2 Hz), 4.09 ( !i-i, d, J ~ 2.3 Hz); ⁿ C NMR

( 101 MHz, CDC¾)™ 13.6, 16.6, 17.4, 22.6, 26.6, 33,5, 3S.2, 40.2, 41.3, 52.3, 52.9, 67.8, 69.2; MS (EI) /z 212 (M ^'f , 2), 194 ( 17), 179 (18), 163 (iO), 135 (19), 125 (34), 1 1 1 (100); exact mass calculated i r C _{! 3} l½0 ( M ~ ¾Of } 194.1671 , found 194.1663. I (10361 Des>/i^22^ c tox )-23,2 ^ino e oiaite>S>ol (2). To a stirred solution of 1 (54 nig; 0.26 mmoi) and trie&ylaraine (50 i L; 36 mg; 0.36 mraol) in methylene dichioride (5 ml) acetic anhydride was added dropwise at -5*C The reaction mixture was kept at 4°C overnight:. Then methylene dichioride (30 ml) was added and the mixture was washed with water (7 mi). Organic phase was dried over anhydauis gSO* and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 65 mg (0,25 mmoi; 98% yield) of 2. [{]& ^» +33,7 (c 0.90, CHC1 _. ; mp 78-80°C ⁱ H NMR (500 MHz, CDO )™ 0.96 (3H, s), 1.00 (311 d, J - 6,6 Hz), 2.05 (3H, s), 3.77 ( HI eld, J ^~ 10.6 Hz, ,/ ^~ 7.7 Hz), 4.06 (1 H, dd, J = 1.0.6 Hz, 3.3 Hz), 4.1 1. (lit, br s); ^B C NMR ( 101 MHz, CDCij) 13.5, 17.0, 17.4, 21.0, 22.5, 26,6, 333, 35.3, 40.2, 41.9, 52.3, 53.2, 69.1, 69,4, 171 ,4; MS (El) m/z 254 (M\ 2), 236 (5), 205 (2), 194 (12), 176 (22), 561 (14), 135 (16), 325 (34), i l l (100); exact mass (ESI) calculated for Ci ₅ H»OjNa ([M - Naf ) 277.1780, found 277 J 791.

(0037) Des t,ii-22-(aceioxy)~23,24-dinerch:olaiie-8-one (3). To a stirred solution of 2 (64 mg; 0.25 mmoi) and PPTS (1.0 nig; 0.04 mmoi) in methylene dichioride (12 ml) PDC (244 mg; 0.65 mmoi) was added at 0*C. Then cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2.5 h. After that solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified on silica gel Sep-Pack cartridge (15- 25% ethyl aeetate/hexane) to give 55 mg (0.22 mmo!; 87% yield) of 3. li NMR. (400 MHz, CDC )™ 0.66 (311, s), 1.06 (311 d, J = 6.6 Hz), 2.47 ( 1 Η, dd, ./ = 1 1.5 Hz, J = 7.6 Hz), 3.82 (I B, dd, J - 10.7 Hz, J - 7.2 Hz), 4.08 (I B ₅ dd, J = 10.7 Hz, J - 3.3 Hz); "C NMR ( 101 MHz, CDC¾)™ 12.5, 17.2, 19.2, 21.0, 24.0, 27,0, 35.5, 38.8, 40.9, 49.9, 53.3, 61.6, 69.1, 171.3, 2.1 1.6; MS (EI) m 252 (M\ 18) 237 (18), 220 (24), 205 (64) 592 (80), 124 (100), exact mass (ESI) calculated for C _K sl½0 _? Na ([M + Naf) 275.1623, found 275.163 1.

|iM 38 205 22-A€etoxy-l{--i(^

homopregnacakiferol /tfrf-Bttiyldimeihylsilyl Ether (5)» To stirred soiuiion of 4 (55 nig; 94 fraol) in tetrahydromran (700 11) few drops of 1.7 M solution of phenyl lithium in eye,tohexane/ef.he (7/3) was added at ~25° until deep orange color persisted. Then stoichiometric amount (50 j l; 85 i rooi) of phenyl lithium solution was added. After 20 min. the mixture was cooled down to ~7S°C and a solution of 3 (23 mg; 91 i mol) in tetrahydrofuran (300 I I) was siphoned via cannula. .After 2 h cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred at 4°C for next 2 h. Then saturated aqueous solution of NH4CI (1 ml), brine (1 ml) and water (1 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with hexane (3 x ? ml). Organic phase was dried over anhydrous MgS0 ₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on silica gel Sep-Pack. cartridge (0-3% ethyl aeetate/hexane) to give 25 mg (40 f mol; 44% yield) of 5. ^! H NMR. (400 MHz, CDCli)™ 0.02 (3H, s), 0.05 (311 s), 0.06 (311 s), 0.0S (3H, s), 0.57 (3B, s), 0.86 (9H, s), 0.89 (9H, s), 1.03 (3H, d, J ^» 6.6 Hz), 2.06 (3B, s), 2.18 (I B, dd, J 12.6 Hz, J <* 8.3 Hz), 2.32 (111 m). 2.46 (Hi, dd, J ------- 12.8 Hz, J= 4.5 Hz), 2.52 (i ll dd, ./ - 13.3 Hz, J -------- 5.9

Hz), 2.83 ( 1 B, m), 3 79 ( 1 i !, dd, J ------ 10.6 Bz, J ------ 7.5 Hz), 4.10 (1 Η, dd, J ------ 10 Hz, J ------

3.2 Hz), 4.43 (211. m), 4.92 t i ll, s), 4.97 (1 H, s), 5.84 (I B, d, J = i ll Hz), 6.21 (Hi, d, J = 1 1.1 Hz); C NMR (101 MHZ, CDQ,)™ -5.12, -4.87, 12.1, 17.3, 18.2, 21.0, 22.3, 23.3, 2 x 25.8, 27.2, 28.7, 36.2, 38.5, 40.4, 45.7, 47.6, 53. L 55.9, 69.5, 7L6, 72.5, 106.3, 1 16.3, 1223, 133.0, 140.7, 152.9, 171.4; MS (El) m/s 484 ( 100), 366 (25), 230 (44); exact mass calculated for C _½ ¾C¾Sb (|M - Naf ) 639.4241 , found 639.4266.

[0039} (20^i(-}(i f/-Butyldlm^thylsiiyl)

nor>homopr gt)acaid roI fert-Btityldiiaeth lslIyl Ether 6) _* To a stirred solution of 5 (24 mg, 39 I mol) in inelhanol (1 ml) 10% sodium methox.ide m methanol ( 150 | 1) was added dropwi.se at i¥'C, Cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture w s siirred for 30 min. Diethyl ether (20 ml) was added and the mixture was washed with saturated aqueous solution of N¾Ci (3 ml) and water {3 ml). Organic phase was dried over anhydrous MgS0 ₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on silica gel Sep~Pack cartridge (.10% ethyl aeetaie hexane) to give 22 rag (38 (mol; 98% yield) of 6. Έ NMR (500 MHz, CDC )™ 0.02 QH, s), 0.05 <3H, s), 0.06 (3H, s), 0.08 (3H, s), 0.5? (3H, s), 0.86 (9H, s), 0,89 (9H, s), 1.07 (311 d, 6.6 Hz), 2.01 (2H, ra), 2.18 (Ί Η, dd _. ./ 12.3 Hz, J ~ 8.9 Hz), 2.30 (Hi m ). 2,48 (I H, dd, J - 12.6 1¾, J - 4.3 Hz), 2.56 (!H, dd, ,/ - 13.1 Hz, J - 5.6 Hz), 2.84 (I B, m\ 3.41 (HL m), 3.68 (I H, m), 4.42 (2H, m), 4.93 (Hi s), 4.98 (!H, s), 3.85 (HI d, J ^» .1 1.2 Hz), 6.25 (Hi d, J - i 1.2 Hz); ⁿ C NM (126 MHz, CDCH)™ -5.1, -4.9, 12.1, 16.9, 22.3, 23.4, 2 x 25.8, 27.2, 287, 38.6, 39.1, 40.4, 45.7, 47.6, 52.8, 56.0, 68,0, 71.6, 72.5, 106.3, 1 16.2, 1.22.3, 140.9, 152.9. MS (El) m/z 442 (100), 366 (28 K

|004D| (205 l{- (^f^B tyidimethyisilyl}ox

homopregnacakiferol te tf-Batyldimet ylsilyl Ether (7). To a stirred solution of oxalyl chloride (12 \ \ 18 rag; 140 I mol) in. methylene dichloride (400 ! 1) precooled solution of dimethyl sulfoxide (40 i i; 44 mg; 560 | mol) in methylene dichloride (300 f l) was added dropwise vi cannula at -?8*C\ After 30 min. a solution of 6 (22 nig; 38 [mol) in methylene dichloride (200 ( I) was added via cannula. The reaction mixture was siirred for 15 min. and trielhylamine (42 Ι ϊ; 30 mg; 300 [mol) was added. After next 15 min. cooling bath was removed and. the reaction mixture was warmed up to room temperature. Methylene dichloride (15 ml.) was then added and ihe mixture was washed with water (3 ml). Organic phase was dried over anhydrous MgS(> and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on silica gel Sep-Pack cartridge ( 1-2% ethyl aeetate/hexane) to give 17 mg (30 ! roo!; 78% yield) of 7. ^! H NMR (400 MHz:, CDCU)™ 0.02 (3R s), 0.05 (3H, s), 0.06 {3H, s), 0.08 (3H, s), 0.59 (3H, s), 0.86 (9H, s), 0.90 (911, a), 1.14 (311 d, J = 6.8 Hz), 2.18 OH, dd, J = 12.5 Hz, J = 8.4 l\z) _} 2.85 (HI, m), 4.43 (2H, m), 4.92 ( 1 E, s), 4.97 ( 1 E, s), 5.86 ( IH, d, J - ί ί ,2 Hz), 6.21 ( I H, d, J - 1 .2 Hz), 9.59 (Hi, d, J - 3.3 Hz); ^ls C NMR (101 MHz, CfX¾) «* -4.8, -4.5, 13.6, 22.5, 23.3, 2 x 25.8, 26.5, 38.6, 40.3, 47.6, 49.8, 31.4, 55.5, 71.6, 72,5, 106.4, 1 6.6, 122.2, 133.4, 140.1, 1 2.9, 205.0.

h«xan y!>26^7^ cio-22>deii dro>l9-non tan}iii 1¾ teri-Bulyldimetiiylsiyl Ether (9). To a stirred solution of 8 (30 mg; 103 imol) in tetrahydrofuran (250 It) I solution of lithium hexameihyldisilazide in tetrahydrofuran (90 H; 90 I mo!) was added dropwise.

After 1 h a solution of 7 (17 nig; 30 Imol) in tetrahydrofuran (200 il) was added via cannula and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 days. Then diethyl ether (20 ml) was added and the mixture was washed with saturated aqueous: solution of NH«CI (3 ml) and water (3 ml). Organic phase was dried over anhydrous MgSO.$ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on silica gel Sep-Pack cartridge (1-3% ethyl aceiaie/hexaoe) and on HPLC (2% ethyl acetatehexane; Zorbax Rx-Si! 9.4 mm x 25 cm; 4 ml/rain.; ₍ ~ 9.2 rain.) to give 14 mg (19 Imol; 63% yield) of 9. UV (hexane) Lm-. ~ 237, 244, 253, 263 nm;∑, _m = 47000; Ή NMR (400 MHz, CDCU)™ 0.02 (3R s), 0.04 (3H, s), 0.06 (3H, s), 0.08 <3.R s), 0.57 (3M, s), 0.86-0.91 (2111 m), 1.10 (2H, d, ,/ ~ 6.5 Hz), 2,55 (2FL t, 7.3 Hi), 2.83 (ΪΗ, m l 4.42 (2H, m), 4.92 (1H, s), 4.97 (TH, s), 5.83 (1H, d, J ~ 11.1 Hz), 6.14 (ill, d, J = 15.7 Hz), 6.20 (ITi d, J ^~ 11.3 Ez 6.77 (Hi, dd, J~ 15.7 Ik, J - 9.0 Hz); C NMR (101 MHz, CDQ,}™ -5.1, -4.9, 12.3, 13.9, 16.3, 19.3, 22.2, 22.4.23.3, 23.8, 2 x 25.8, 27.6, 28.6, 31,3, 38.6, 40.4, 41.6, 47.6, 55.3, 56.0, 71.6, 72.5, 116.5, 122.2, 126.4, 133.2, 140.3, 152.9, 154.8, 196.0, 206.5; MS (EI) m/~ 679 (6), 604 (82), 547 (9), 366 (52), 73 (100); exact mass (ESI) ( M + ai 759.5180, found 759.5164,

(0042} (22£ 2-Methyli e-24-oxo-2S-fjexan0yi-26 _> 27-cycio-22-<k ⁱ hydro-l<- ydroxy-W-jiorvttamin Dj (.10). To a stirred solution of 9 (.1 mg; 16 imol) ethanol (800 fl) (1«S>(÷)-10-camph.orsulfonic acid (6 mg; 26 i ol) was added. After 30 h ethyl acetate (15 mi), saturated aqueous solution of atlCO _? (1.5 mi) and water (1.5 ml) was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 10 ml.). Organic phase was dried over anhydrous gS(>4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on silica gel Sep-Pack (10-40% ethyl ace ehexane) to give 6.8 mg (13.5 imol; 84% yield) of 10. OV (EiOH) [ _m3X - 236, 244, 253, 262 nm;∑.«* - 47000; ^! M. NM.R (400 MHz, CDCU)™ 0.58 (3H, s), 0.88 (311 t, J - 7..1 Hz), 1..10 (3H, d _; ,/ - 6.6 Hz), 1.97-2.05 (1H, n ), 2,27-2.36 (3SH, ml 2.53-2.60 (3H, m), 2.81-2.86 (211 m), 4.46-4,50 (211, m), 5.09 (1H, s), 5.1 1 (I B, s), 5,88 (1 H, d, J - 1 1.2 Hz), 6.14 (1 H, d, J 16.6 Hz), 6.35 (I , d ₅ J - 1 1.2 Hz), 6.77 (I B, dd, J - 16,6 Hz, J - 9.0 Hz); ^t5 C NMR ( 101 MHz, CDCU)™ 12,4, 13.9, 16.3, 19.3, 22.3, 22,4, 23.2, 23 ,8, 27.5, 28.9, 3.1.3, 38, 1 , 40.2, 40.3, 41.5, 45,8, 46.0, 55.3, 56.0, 70.7, 71.8, 107,8, .1 .15.7, 124.0, 126.5, 130,9, 142.5, 151.9, 154.7, 196,0, 206.5; MS (El) m z 508 (M\ 2), 425 (1), 31 8 (2), 252 (3), 220 (75), 205 ( 500); exact mass calculated for 0»¾*0 ₄ 508,3553, .found 508.3556.

Example 2

f 0043] Preparation of 1 - 2-(dimetoxy-phosphoryi)-acetyl]- 1 -hexanoyl- c clopropanc (Compound 8; see Scheme 11)

(0044] 2,4~ onanedio»e (13). To a stirred solution of methyl, acetate 11 (27.8 ml;

25.9 g; 350 mmo.l) in diethyl ether (200 mi) NaH (60% w/w; 4.8 g; 200 mmol) was added and resulted slurry was brought to boiling. Then a solution of 2~heptanone 12 (24.4 ml; 20.0 g; 175 mmol) in diethyl ether (150 ml) was added dropwise over 3 k Eeilisxing was maintained for next 5 li. Then 10% aqueous solution of BCl with crushed ice (ea, 1.00 ml) was added carefully and organic phas was separated. Water phase was extracted with diethyl ether ( 150 ml) and combined organic phases were washed with saturated aqueous solution, of aHCO* (50 ml), dried over anhydrous MgSCi and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by distillation under reduced pressure to give 15,6 g (99.7 mmol; 64% yield) of 13. Ή NMR (500 MHz, CDCl _? ) " ^» 0.90 (3H _; m), 1.31 (2H, m), 1.60 (211 m), 2,05 (2.1 B, S), 2, 13 (0.3H, s), 2.17 (0.3H, s), 2.24 (0.3H, s), 2.26 (1.4H, t, J - 7.5 Hz), 2.42 (0.1511, t J - 7.5 ϊ½), 2,50 (0.25H, t, J™ 7.4 Hz), 3.57 (0.25H, s), 5,49 (0.7H, s); C NMR (126 MHz, CDCIj)™ 14.0, 22.5, 22,6, 23.1, 25.0, 25.5, 30,9, 1 , 2, 31.5, 38.3, 43,8, 58.0, 69.1 , 191.5, 1 4.4, 202.2, 204.3, 204.6; MS (El) m/z 15? ([M + Hp, 52), 156 (M 9), 141 (8), 113 (17), 100 (45), 85 (100); exact mass calculated for C B u.O j 156.1150, found 156.1.151.

[0045] i-Acetj!-l-lM^anoy!-cyclopropaue (14). To a vigorously stirred mixture of 1 ,2-dtbromoethane (9 ml; 21 ,6 g; 114.9 mmol), ^ X (30 g; 225 mmol) and acetone (75 mi) 13 (.12.0 g; 76.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred and refluxed for 20 h. Then solids were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by distillation under reduced pressure to give 6.0 g (1 1.0 mmol; 43% yield) of 14. Ή NMR (500 MHz, CDC )™ 0,89 (3H _» t, J = 7,2 Hz), i .28 (411, ml 1 .46 (4H, s), 1.58 (211 m), 2.24 (311 s), 2.50 (2H, t, J = 7.4 Hz); C NMR (101 MHz, CDC )™ 14.0, 17.1 , 22,5, 23.7, 28.0, 31.3, 39,8, 43.0, 204.6, 206.6; MS (El) m/z .183 f[.M. + Hf , 10), .182 (M*, 4), 164 (6), 139 (29), 126 (69), i l l (1.00); exact mass calculated for C _.u i¼(¼ .1 2.130?, found 182.1308.

(.0046j l-Brorooacetyl-i-bexano l-c ctopropane (15), To a stirred solution of 14

(4.20 g; 23,0 mmol) and irieihylatmne (6.47 ml; 4.66 g; 46.0 mmol) in meth lene dichloride (200 ml) ttiethylsiiyl trifluoromeihanesuifbnate (5.24 ml; 6.07 g; 23.0 mmol) was added dropwsse at 0°C. After 30 mitt N-bromosuccinimide (4,50 g; 25.3 mmol) was added and cooling bath was removed. Then methylene dichloride (500 ml) was added and the mixture was washed with water (2 x 100 mi). Organic phase was dried over anhydrous MgSCXi and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (2-6% ethyl acetate/hexane) to give 1.40 g (5.37 mmol; 23% yield) of 15, ^1! H NM (400 MHz, CDCU) ^m 0.90 (3H, t, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.23-1.36 (4H, m), 1.54 (2H, m), 1.61 (40, ml 2.29 (2H ₅ 1 J - 7.4 Hz), 4.30 (2H, s); C NMR (101 MHz, CDCU)™ 13.9, 18.6, 22,5, 23,6, 3 _> 34.1, 37.3, 40, 1 , 64.5, 198.5, 206,0; MS (EI) m/z 206 (6), 204 (6), 191 (8), 189 (8), 181 ([M --- Br]" , 24), 1.69 ( 100); exact mass calculated for CuM| 0 ₂ ([M. --- Br ) 1 81 ,1229, |¾wnd 181 ,1224.

(0047) I'{2^Dimetoxy>pliosphor^i ace ! >!-hexa«oyI-cyciepropane (8). A solution of 15 (1.50 g; 5.75 mmol) and trimethyi phosphite (850 | 1; 891 mg; 7.18 mmol) in toluene (2.0 mi) was retluxed for 20 h. Then solvent was distilled off and the residue was purified by column chro.nmtograpuy (2-15% isopropanol/hexane} to give 1 ,05 g (3,62 g; 63% yield) of 8. ^! M NMR (400 MHz, CDCij)™ 0.89 (3Ι-Ϊ, 1 J- 7,1 Hz), 1 ,20-1.34 (4H, m), 1.50 (211 m), 1.55-1 ,64 (4H, m), 2.33 (2H, t, J- 7.3 Rz), 3.4? (2!t d, ..¾, _P - 22.2 Hz), 3.77 (6H, d, 1 1.3 Hz); ⁿ C NMR (101 MHz, CDC )™ 13.9, 18.0, 22.5, .23.5, 31 .3,

37.9, 39.1 (d, Jc _/ > - 130 Hz), 43.1 , 53.0 (d, J _C 4> 6.2 Hz), 197.9 id, J _C4 > = 7.0 Hz), 206.3; exact mass calculated lor Cd¾>OjP (j - C¾f) 2754 48, found 275.1055. Scheme Ϊ

(!) 0- _< . MeOH,. py: NaBH 76%. fii> AcO, Ei¾N, DMAP. CH^C . 98%. (Hi) PDC. PPTS, CH ₂ C½„ 87%. CM) 4, Ρϊιύ, THF. 44%. fv) MeONaWeOH 98%. {vi} DMSO, (COCt) ₂ . Et¾N. CB,C! ₂ . 78%, tvtij β. LiHMDS, THF.. 63%. <v»i) CSA, EtOH, 84%. Scheme ΪΪ

(!) 11, 12, NaH, Ei ₂ 0, 64%, {it) {CH ₂ Bt¾, K ₂ C0 ₃ , AcMe. 43%. (ill) TESOTf. Et ₃ N, CH ₂ CI ₂ ; NBS, 25%. tv) Ρ(Ο β¼, PhMe, 63% .

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF 2-METHYL£NE^22B -25-HEXA OYI...-24-OXO-26 _> 2?-

CYCLO-22-.DEHY.DRO·> 1 -NOR-1 tt-HYDROXY VITAMIN D _; $ (UW-05) |0Θ48] The introduction of a methylene group to the 2-position, an oxo group at c r on 24 of the side chain, a double ^' bond between carbon atoms 22 and 23 in the side chain, a hexanoyl subsiituent attached to the 25-positton i ^' C-25) in the side chain, and the carbon atoms of the methyl groups normally located at the .26 and 27 positions (C-26 and C-2?) in the side chain bonded iogeiher to form a three member ring with the carbon atom at position 25 in the side chain had little effect on binding to the full length recombinant rat vitamin D receptor, as compared to 1 ^" tt _t 25-di.hydroxyvitamin D _? . The compound UW- 05 bound with almost the same affinity to the nuclear vitamin D receptor as compared to the standard 1 ,25-(OH) ₂ ¾ (Figure I ). It might be expected from these results that compound UW-05 would have equivalent biological activity. Surprisingly, however, compound UW-05 is a highly selective analog with unique biological activity. |0I 9| Figures 5A and 5B show that UW-05 has excellent ability to increase intestinal calcium transport activity in vivo, in a dose dependent .manner, approximately equal to 1 ,25-dihydroxyvilamtn. D? (1 ,25(OH) ₂ D; .

[005 1 Figures 4 A and 4.8 demonstrate that UW-05 has about 10 times less bone calcium mobilization activity than 1 ,25{OH}T ;. Although UW-05 has some bone calcium mobilization activity at very high doses, it clearly has significantly lower potency in mobilizing calcium from bone as compared to 1,25(01:1) ₂ 0$, at the recommended lower doses.

[005! } Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and SB thus Uiustrate that UW-05 may be characterized as having .significant intestinal calcium transport activity, and relatively low bone calcium mobilization activity.

ίΟΘ52[ Figure 2 illustrates that UW-05 has about the same potency as 1 ,25(Oii) ₂ .Ds on HL-60 cell differentiation, i.e. causing the differentiation of 1-11,-60 cells into monocytes, making it an excellent candidate for the treatment of psoriasis and cancer, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer, in addition, due to its relatively high ceil differentiation activity, this compound provides a therapeutic agent for the treatment of various skin conditions including wrinkles. Sack of adequate dermal hydrati n, ie. dry skin, lack of adequate skin firmness, i.e. slack skin, and insufficient sebum, secretion. Use of this compound thus not only results in moisturizing of skin but also improves the barrier function of skin.

(0053 _. 1 Figure 3 illustrates thai in bone cells the compound UW-05 has about the same potency as .1 ,2S(0M) ₂ i>; in increasing transcription of the 2 -hydroxylase .gene . ^" I s result, together with the cell differentiation activity of Figure 2, suggests that UW-05 will be very effective in psoriasis because it has direct cellular activity m causing cell differentiation, gene transcription, and in. suppressing ceil growth. These data also indicate that UW-05 may have significant activity as an anti-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer.

(0054] The strong activity of UW-05 on differentiation suggests it will be active in suppressing growth of parathyroid glands and in the suppression of the preproparathyroid gene,

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS [0055] Vitamin .0 Receptor Binding

[0056] Test Materia!

(0Θ57| Protein Source

[0058] Full-length recombinant rat receptor was expressed in E. cob BL-21 (DE3)

Codon Plus ST. ceils and purified to homogeneity using two- different column chromatography systems. The first system was a nickel affinity resin that utilizes the C- terminal histid ne tag on this protein. The protein that was elut d from this resin was further purified usin ion exchange chromatography (S-Sep!iarose Fast Flow). Aiiquots of the purified protein were quick frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at ^« 80°C until use. For use in binding assays, the protein was diluted in TEDK* _> (50 m ^' M Tris, 1.5 mM EDTA, pH7.4, 5 mM D ^' TT. 150 m K.C1) with 0.1% Chaps detergent.. The receptor protein and !igand concentration were optimized such that no more than 20% of the added radiolabeled ligand was bound to the receptor.

100593 Study Drugs

f0060j Unlabeled ligands were dissolved i.n ethanoi and the concentrations determined using UV spectrophotometry (1 ,25(OH}; D _; ¾; molar extinction coefficient = 18,200 and λ^ _ΛΧ - 265 nni; Analogs; molar extinction coefficient = 42,000 and λ _¾¾3¾ -~ 252 nrn). Radiolabeled ligand ( ^j H-l.,25(OH _. bDs, -159 Ci/mnio!e) was added in ethanoi at a final concentration of 1 nM.

{066.1.} Assay Conditions

0 62 ^' j .Radiolabeled and unlabeled iigands were added to 100 mcl of the diluted protein at a final ethanoi concentration of≤1 %, mixed and incubated overnight on ice to reach binding equilibrium. The following day, .100 mcl of nydroxySapatite slurry (50%) was added to each tube and mixed at 1 -mtnute intervals for 30 minutes. The hydro ylapaptiie was collected by centrifugaiion and then washed three times with Tris- EDTA buffer (50 mM Tris, 1.5 mM EDTA, pit 7.4) containing 0.5% Titron X- i 00. Alter the final wash, the pellets were transferred to scintillation vials containing 4 ml. of Biosafe II scintillation cocktail, mixed and placed in a scintillation counter. Total binding was determined from the tubes containing only radiolabeled ligand.

|0663| HL-60 Differentiation

|6664 ^' } Test Material [0065] Study Drugs

(0066) The stet y drugs were dissolved in eihanol and the concentrations determined using UV spectrophotometry. Serial dilutions were prepared so that a range of drug concentrations could be tested without changing the final concentration of eihanol (≤ 0,2%) present in the cell cultures.

|O0«7j Cells

|0Θ68| Human promyelocyte leukemia (HL60) ceils were grown in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were incubated, at 37*C in the presence of 5% CO?.

[0069) Assay Conditions

(0070) HL60 cells were plated at 1 .2 x 10 ^' ce!Ss/mi. Eighteen hours after plating, cells in duplicate were treated with drug. Four days later, the cells were harvested and a nitro blue tetrazolium reduction assay was performed (Collins et al. ₅ 3979; J. Exp. Med. 149:969-974). The percentage of differentiated cells was determined by counting a total of 200 cells and recording the number that contained intracellular black-blue formazan deposits. Verification of differentiation to monocytic cells was determined by measuring phagocytic acti ity (data not shown).

[0071] In vitro Transcription Assay

(0072) Transcription activity was measured in ROS 17 2.8 (bone) cells that were stably transfected with a 24-hydroxylase (240hase) gene promoter upstream of a lueiferase reporter gene (Arbour et t, .1 9.8). Cells were given a range of doses. Sixteen hours after dosing the cells were harvested and lueiferase activities were measured using a lurninorneter.

[00731 RLU ^: - relative lueiferase units.

[0074) intestinal Calcium Transport and Bone Calcium Mobilization

[0075] Male, weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on Diet 11 (0.47% Ca) diet -+AEK oil for one week followed by Diet 1 1. (0,02% Ca) -AB oil for 3 weeks. The rats were then switched to a diet containing 0.47% Ca for one week followed by two weeks on a diet containing 0.0.2% Ca. Dose administration began during the last week on 0.02% calcium diet, four consecutive tp doses were given approximately 24 hours apart. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, blood was collected from the severed neck and the concentration of serum calcium determined as a measure of bone calcium mobilisation. The .first 10 cm of the intestine was also collected for intestinal calcium, transport analysis using the everted gut sac- method.

INTERPRETATION OF DATA

|O0?6 ^' j Summary o B s ol ogie 1 P indi n as . The compound UW-05 binds the VDR with only slightly less affinity than the native hormone, and displays equivalent cell differentiation activity and equivalent in vitro gene transcription activity compared to 1 ,25(011)20:!. In vivo this compound exhibits significantly .less bone calcium mobilization but retains intestinal calcium transport activities. This compound has potential tor the treatment of such diseases as cancer, renal osteodystrophy, autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, and psoriasis. While this compound is equally potent compared to ! ,25{ΟΗ)2¾ m vitro _* It shows lower activity in vivo on bone calcium mobilization. UW- 05 remains a potentially valuable compound for therapeutic development as it has lower potency in mobilizing calcium from bone storage or stimulating active calcium transport in the intestine, but high potenc in cell differentiation and transcription potentially resulting in a compound with a wider safety window than has previously been generated. This increase in safety is exhibited by its increased potency in promoting the differentiation of human promyelocyte cells and gene transcription in bone cells without .stimulating bone calcium mobilization and intestinal calcium transport, UW-05 might not only be useful in the treatment of the above listed diseases, but also in the prevention of the above listed diseases,

|IH)77] VDR. binding, 1 11 .60 cell, differentiation, and transcription activity. UW-05

(Ki=3xlO ^*i(! M) is almost as active as the natural hormone 1 ,25-dihyd.roxyvttamin i¾ (Kf ! (> ^" ¾) in its ability to compete with f¾3- S ,25(OH);;D ₃ for binding to the full- length recombinant rat vitamin D receptor {Figure 1). UW-05 also displays about the same activity (EC%( ^: s.lcr ^' 'M) in its ability {efficacy or potency) to promote 1:11.-60 cell differentiation as compared to 1 a ₅ 25-dihydr.oxy vitamin l (ECss QsiW^M) (See Figure 2). Also, compound UW-05 (EC¾P3X 10 ^{" !,i} M) has about the same transcriptional activity in bone cells as i _? 25-dihydroxyviiamin Ό _$ (EC¾r=3xl.0 ^'!,) ) (See Figure 3). These results suggest that UW-05 will be very effective in psoriasis because it has direct cellular activity in causing cell differentiation, gene transcription, and in suppressing ceil growth. These data also indicate ihat UW-05 will have significant activity as an ami-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer, as well as against skin conditions such as dry skin (Sack of deroiai hydration), undue skin slackness (insufficient skin firmness), insufficient sebum secretion and wrinkles. t would also be expected, to be very active in suppressing secondar hyperparathyroidism.

|0078| € d¾ffl...rtt.ob

vitamin D-deficient animals. Using vitamin D-deficieni rats on a low calcium diet (0.02%), the activities of UW-05 and i,25(OH) ₂ Dj in intestine and bone were tested. As expected, the native hormone ( 1 ,25 011)2 D¾) increased serum calciiim levels at all dosages (Figures 4A and 4B). The study reported in Figure 4A shows that UW-05 has relatively low, or little, activity in mobilizing calcium from bone. It took administration of 780 praol/day for 4 consecutive days to obtain about the same mobilization of bone calcium as the native hormone 1 ,25{OH);jD;¾ did at only 260 pmol/day,

j 00791 The study reported in Figure 4B also shows that UW-05 has relatively low, or little, activity in mobilizing calcium from bone. Administration of 7020 pmol/day for 4 consecutive days resulted in about the same mobilization of bone calcium as the native hormone 1 ,25(QS-¾ did at only 780 pmol/day, and when the amount of UW-05 was 780 pmol/day no substantial effect was seen.

|0080j intestinal calcium transport was evaluated in the same groups of animals using the everted gut sac method (Figures 5A and 5B). The study reported in Figure 5A shows that UW-05 has relatively significant intestinal calcium transport activity. Although administration of 87 pmol/day for 4 consecutive days did not result in substantial activity, when the amount of UW-05 was increased to 260 pmol/day and then to 780 pmol/day a significant increase in effect was seen,

{0081 j The study reported in Figure SB confirms tha UW-05 has the ability to increase intestinal calcium transport activity, and its activity is significant as compared to i ,25(Qi-ib¾

|0082| These results show that the compound UW-05 promotes intestinal calcium transport, when administered at 260 pmol day. Thus, it may be concluded, that UW-05 has significant intestinal calcium transport activity at the recommended lower doses.

. 77 _ [0083] These results illustrate that UW-05 is an excellent candidate for numerous human therapies as described herein, and that it may be particularly useful in a n mber of circumstances such as suppression of secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal osteodystrophy, autoimmune diseases, cancer, .numerous types of skin conditions, and psoriasis. UW-05 is an excellent candidate for treating psoriasis because: (1) it has significant VDR binding, transcription activity and cellular differentiation activity; (2) it has little hypercafcemic liability at relatively low doses, unlike I ,2S(Oi¾D3; and (3) it is easily synthesized. Since UW-05 has significant binding activity to the vitamin D receptor, but has little ability to raise blood serum calcium, it may also be particularly useful for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal osteodystrophy.

|0084| These data also indicate that the cofn.pou.od U -05 of the invention, may be especially suited for treatment and prophylaxis of human disorders which are characterized by an imbalance in the immune system, e.g. in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes mellitus, host versus graft rejection, and rejection of organ transplants; and additionally for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Acne, alopecia and hypertension are other conditions which may be treated with the compound UW-05 of the invention.

|ΘΘ85[ The compounds of the invention of formula I, and particularly formula la, are also useful in preventing- or treating obesity, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, inhibiting SCD-1 gene transcription, and/or reducing body fat in animal subjects. Therefore, in some embodiments, a method of preventing or treating obesity, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, inhibiting SCD- 1 gene transcription, and/or reducing body fat in an animal subject includes administering to the animal subject, an effective amount of one or more of the compounds or a pharmaceutical composition that incl udes one or more of the compounds of formula I. Administration of the compound or the pharmaceutical compositions to the subject inhibits adipocyte differentiation, inhibits gene transcription, and/or reduces body fat in the animal subject. The animal may be a human, a domestic animal such as a dog or a cat; or an agricultural animal, especially those that provide meat for human consumption, such as fowl like chickens, turkeys, pheasant or quail, as well as bovine, ovine, caprine, or porcine animals. [0086j For prevention and/or treatment purposes, the compounds of this invention defined by formula 1, particularly UW-OS, may be formulated for pharmaceutical applications as a solution in innocuous solvents, or as an emulsion, suspension or dispersion in suitable solvents or carriers, or as pills, tablets or capsules, together with solid carriers, according to conventional methods known in the art. Any such formulations may also contain other pharmaeeutically-aeceptable and non-toxic exeipienis such as stabilisers, anti-oxidants, binders, coloring agents or emulsifying or taste-modifying agents.

(0O87| The compounds of formula Ϊ and particularly V W-05, may be administered orally, topically, parenteral ly, rectally, nasally, sublingually or transdemialiy. The compound is advantageously administered by injection or by intravenous infusion or suitable sterile solutions, or in the form of liquid or solid doses via the alimentary canal, or in the form of creams, ointments, patches, or similar vehicles suitable for transdermal applications. A dose of from 0,01, ug to 1000 ,ug per day of the compounds Ϊ, particularly UW-OS, preferably from, about 0.1 pg to about 500 pg per day, is appropriate for prevention and/or treatment purposes, such dose being adjusted according to the disease to be treated, its severity and the response of the subject as is well understood in the art. Since the compound exhibits specificity of action, each may be suitably administered alone, or together with graded doses of another active vitamin D compound - e.g. lct- hydr xyviiamiu l.¾ or l , or ia,25-dihydroxyvitam.in ¾— in situations where different degrees of bone mineral mobilization and calcium transport stimulation is found to be advantageous.

|0088) Compositions for use in the above-mentioned treatments comprise an effective amount of the compounds I, particularly UW-G5. as defined by the above formula I and la as the active ingredient, and a suitable carrier. An effective amount of such compound for use in accordance with this invention is from about 0,0 i pg to about 1 00 pg per gm of composition, preferably irom about 0.1 μg to about 500 pg per gram of composition, and may be administered topically, transdermal!} _' ', orally, reetally, nasally, sublingually, or parenierally in dosages of from about O.Ol g day to about 1000 pg/day, and preferably from about 0.1 .pg/day to about 500 pg/day. [0089] The compounds I, particularly UW-OS, may be formulated as creams, lotions, ointments, topical patches, pills, capsules or tablets, suppositories, aerosols, or in liquid form as solutions, emulsions, dispersions, or suspensions in pharmaceutical ly innocuous and acceptable solvent or oils, and such preparations may contain in addition other pharmaceutically innocuous or beneficial components, such as stabilizers, antioxidants, emulsifiers, coloring agents, binders or taste-modifying agents.

[0090] The compounds I, particularly UW-05, ^" ma be advantageously admi.oiste.red in amounts sufficient to effect the differentiation of promyeiocytes to normal macrophages. Dosages as described above are suitable, it being understood that the amounts given are to be adjusted in accordance with the severity of the disease, and the condition and response of the subject as is well understood in the art.

jtfi)9i J The formulations of the present invention, comprise an active ingredient i association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore and optionall other therapeutic ingredients. The carrier must be "acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulations and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

[0092} Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be in the form of discrete units as capsules, sachets, tablets or lozenges, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredien t; in the form of a powder or granules; in the form of a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or non-aqueous liquid; or in the form of an oiHn-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion.

[0093] Formulations for rectal administration may be in the form of a suppository incorporating the. active ingredient and carrier such as cocoa butter, or in the form of an enema,

[0094} Fomiul tions suitable for parenteral administration conveniently comprise a sterile oily or aqueous preparation of the active ingredient which is preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient,

[0095] Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid or semi- liquid, preparations such as liniments, lotions, applicants, oii~hi-water or water~in-o.il emulsions such as creams, ointments or pastes; or solutions or suspensions such as drops; or. as sprays. [00 6j For nasal administration, inhaiaikm of powder,, self-propelling or spray ib.nTVulaiio.ns, dispensed with a spray can, a nebulizer or an atomizer can be used. The formulations, when dispensed, preferably have a particle size in the range of 10 to 1Ο0μ.

[0097) The formulations ma conveniently be presented in dosage unit form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. By the term "dosage unit" is meant a unitary, i.e. a single dose which is capable of being administered to a patient as a physically and chemically stable unit dose comprising either the active ingredient as such or a mixture of it with solid or liquid pharmaceutical diluents or carriers.