This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application 61/643,776, filed May 7, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This invention was made with Government support of Grant No. AR059794, awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Biologies are commonly employed to promote bone growth in medical applications including fracture healing and surgical management of spinal disorders (1-4). Spine fusion is often performed by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons alike to address degenerative disc disease and arthritis affecting the lumbar and cervical spine. Historically, autogenous bone graft, commonly taken from the iliac crest of the patient, has been used to augment fusion between vertebral levels. However, the associated donor site morbidity, increased operating time, and increased blood loss associated with harvesting autogenous bone graft (5-7) has provided incentive to find a safe and effective alternative.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is commonly used to promote spine fusion in humans. Its use was approved in 2002 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (8). The use of rhBMP- 2 has increased significantly since this time and indications for its use have expanded to include posterior lumbar spinal fusion as well cervical spine fusion. Despite the efficacy of rhBMP-2, recent reports have called into question its safety when employed during spine fusion surgery. Reported complications have included seroma formation, soft tissue swelling, vertebral osteolysis, ectopic bone formation, retrograde ejaculation, and carcinogenicity (9-12). Moreover, airway edema has been observed with its use in the cervical spine, prompting the FDA to issue a Public Health Notification warning for its use in cervical spine operations. To date no suitable alternative has been identified that would have similar efficacy in inducing fusion without the adverse effects of rhBMP-2 (12).

Oxysterols form a large family of oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol that are present, in the circulation, and in human and animal tissues. Oxysterols have been found to be present in atherosclerotic lesions and play a role in various physiologic processes, such as cellular differentiation, inflammation, apoptosis, and steroid production. Some of the present inventors previously reported that specific naturally occurring oxysterols have robust osteogenic properties (13). The most potent osteogenic naturally occurring oxysterol, 20(S)- hydroxycholesterol ("20S") (14), is both osteogenic and anti-adipogenic when applied to multipotent mesenchymal cells capable of differentiating into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Structural modifications of 20S were previously performed to synthesize more potent analogues of 20S including Oxy34 and Oxy49, which were shown to induce the osteogenic and inhibit the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) through activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling (15). Additionally, Oxy34 and Oxy49 stimulate spine fusion in vivo in a rat model of posterolateral spine fusion (15). Prior oxysterol molecules have properties that vary widely and unpredictably. There remains a need for new improved oxysterols as compared with rhBMP-2 and prior oxysterols, to provide increased potency and enhanced efficacy, and ease of synthesis and lower production cost. A new oxysterol could make a more feasible clinical option for physicians treating, for example, long bone fractures, spine disorders, and osteoporosis.

The osteogenic oxysterols described above are particularly useful for direct, localized administration to target cells, tissues or organs of interest. Currently, there are no commercial anabolic agents for systemic delivery and intervention in bone disorders, e.g., osteoporosis, which is a disease in which bone is lost during aging in both men and women and after menopause in women. The only currently available systemically delivered agent that induces bone formation is Forteo ^® (teriparatide [rDNA origin] injection), which is expensive, has adverse effects and is FDA approved for use no longer than 24 months. There is a need for an osteogenic agent, such as an osteogenic oxysterol, which is safer and more effective for induction of systemic bone formation following systemic administration in, e.g., osteoporotic patients.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows the molecular structures of osteogenic oxysterols. The molecular structures of 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol (20S), Oxy34, Oxy49, and Oxyl33 are shown. Oxy34 is different from 20S in having an extra OH group on C6 and the double bond between C5 and C6 is eliminated. Oxy49 has a similar structure to Oxy34 and includes a double bond between C25 and C27. Oxyl33 differs from Oxy34 and 49 by the deletion of C27 and increasing the length of the side chain by one carbon. Figure 2 shows the dose-dependent activation of alkaline phosphatase activity by oxysterols. (Fig. 2A) C3HT101/2 cells or (Fig. 2B) M2-10B4 cells at confluence were treated with control vehicle or 0.125-10 μΜ of Oxyl33. For direct comparison to Oxyl33, C3H cells were also treated with Oxy34 and Oxy49 (Fig. 2A). After 4 days, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured in whole cell extracts. Data from a representative of three separate experiments are reported as the mean of triplicate determinations + SD and normalized to protein concentration, (p O.0001 for cells treated with 0.25 μΜ or higher dose of all oxysterols vs. control vehicle treated cells).

Figure 3 shows that oxyl33 induces osteogenic differentiation.(Fig. 3A) C3HT101/2 cells at confluence were treated with control vehicle or 2.5 μΜ Oxyl33 in osteogenic media. Expression of osteogenic genes Runx2, ALP, BSP, OSX, and OCN was measured by quantitative real-time PCR after 48 hours (48h), 4, 7, and 14 days of treatment. Results from a representative experiment are reported as the mean of triplicate determinations ± SD. (p<0.005 for control vs. Oxyl33 at all time points for ALP, BSP and OSX and at 4, 7, and 14 days for Runx2 and OCN). (Fig. 3B) C3H10T1/2 cells were treated with control vehicle or 2.5 uM Oxyl33 for 3 weeks. To examine extracellular mineralization von Kossa staining was performed and mineralized matrix appears as dark black staining under light microscopy (10X). (Fig. 3C) In parallel cultures to those described in (B), mineralization was quantified using a 45Ca incorporation assay (p<0.005 for control vs. all concentrations of Oxyl33). (Fig. 3D) Primary human MSC were treated in osteogenic medium with control vehicle or 5 μΜ Oxyl33 for 4 weeks. Expression of osteogenic genes OSX, BSP, and OCN was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Results from a representative experiment are reported as the mean of triplicate determination ± SD (p<0.05 for all genes in control vs. Oxyl33 treated cells). (Fig. 3E) Primary human MSC were treated in osteogenic medium with control vehicle or 0.5, 1, and 5 μΜ Oxyl33 for 5 weeks. To examine extracellular mineralization von Kossa staining was performed and mineralized matrix appears as dark black staining under light microscopy (10X).

Figure 4 shows the role of Hedgehog pathway in Oxyl33-induced osteogenic differentiation. (Fig. 4A) C3H10T1/2 cells at confluence were treated in osteogenic medium with control vehicle or Oxyl33 in the presence or absence of 4 μΜ cyclopamine (Cyc). After 4 days ALP activity, and after 7 days the expression of osteogenic genes ALP, BSP, and OSX was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (p<0.001 for control vs. Oxyl33, and for Oxyl33 vs. Oxyl33+Cyc for ALP activity and for the expression of all genes shown). (Fig. 4B) C3H10T1/2 cells were transfected with control plasmid (pGL3b) or a plasmid containing 8X-GU luciferase reporter and treated with control vehicle or Oxyl33, and luciferase activity was determined after 48 hours. Results from a representative experiment are reported as the mean of triplicate determinations ± SD. (p<0.001 for control vs. Oxyl33 at 100 nM, 250 nM, and 1 μΜ Oxyl33). (Fig. 4C) The amount of YFP-Smo captured by 20S beads or control beads was compared in samples containing either no competitor or 50μΜ of a free competitor sterol (20S, Oxyl33 or Oxyl6). The YFP-Smo captured by the beads was measured by Western blot (top) and plotted (bottom) relative to the amount captured in the binding reaction with no competitor.

Figure 5 shows plain radiographs of fusion masses formed by BMP2 and Oxyl33. Faxitron images of two representative animals from the indicated groups at 8 weeks postoperatively are shown. Arrowheads signify lack of bone formation; arrows signify bone formation. Group I (Control); intertransverse process space with no bone formation. Group II (BMP2); bridging bone mass and bilateral fusion at L4-L5. Group III (Oxyl33-20 mg); bridging bone mass and bilateral fusion at L4-L5. Group IV (Oxyl33-2mg); bridging bone mass and bilateral fusion at L4-L5 in animals that showed induction of fusion by Oxyl33.

Figure 6 shows microCT of fusion masses formed by BMP2 and Oxyl33. Micro CTs of two representative animals from the indicated groups are shown. Arrowheads signify lack of bone formation; arrows signify bone formation. Group I (Control); intertranverse process space with no bone formation. Group II (BMP2); bone mass bridging the intertransverse process space and bilateral fusion at L4-L5. Group III (Oxyl33-20mg); bone mass bridging the intertransverse process space and bilateral fusion at L4-L5. Group IV (Oxyl33-2mg); bone mass bridging the intertransverse process space and bilateral fusion at L4-L5 in animals that showed induction of fusion by Oxyl33. Group V (Oxyl33-0.2mg); arrow on the far right indicates a small amount of bone formation from the L5 transverse process.

Figure 7 shows histological analysis of the effect of Oxyl33 on spinal fusion. (Fig. 7A) Coronal histological sections of two separate representative animals from each group are shown (10X). Group I (Control) has no significant bone formation at the intertransverse process space (arrowheads). Group II (BMP2) demonstrates bridging bone at L4-L5 (arrows) with clear evidence of trabecular and cortical bone forming the fusion mass. Group III (Oxyl33-20mg) and Group IV (Oxyl33-2 mg) specimens demonstrate significant bone formation at the intertransverse process space (arrows) with trabecular and cortical bone formation comparable to that induced by BMP2. (Fig. 7B) Coronal histological sections from two animals each in Groups II (BMP2) and Group III (Oxy 133-20 mg) demonstrate significant adipocyte formation in the fusion mass of BMP2 treated animals and substantially fewer adipocytes in the fusion mass from oxysterol treated animals (arrows, magnification 20X).

Figure 8 shows that the osteogenic differentiation marker, alkaline phosphatase activity, is induced by Oxy 133 and Oxy 149 in (Fig. 8A) M2-10B4 bone marrow stromal cells and in (Fig. 8B) C3H10T1/2 embryonic fibroblatst. Cells at confluence were treated with vehicle, Oxyl33 or Oxyl49. After 4 days, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured in whole cell extracts. Data from a representative of three separate experiments are reported as the mean of triplicate determinations≠ SD and normalized to protein concentration.

Figure 9 shows that Oxy 133 and Oxy 149 induce osteogenic differentiation and the expression of osteogenic differentiation marker genes. C3HT101/2 cells at confluence were treated with vehicle, Oxy 133 or Oxy 149 in osteogenic media. Expression of osteogenic genes Runx2 (FIG. 9E), ALP (FIG. 9A), bone sialoprotein (BSP) (FIG. 9B), Osterix (OSX) (FIG. 9C), and Osteocalcin (OCN) (FIG. 9D) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR after 8 days of treatment. Results from a representative experiment are reported as the mean of triplicate determinations ± SD.

Figure 10 shows that Oxy 133 and Oxy 149 induce Hedgehog pathway signaling. C3H10T1/2 cells at confluence were treated in osteogenic medium with control vehicle, Oxy 133, or Oxy 149 in the presence or absence of 4 μΜ cyclopamine (Cyc). After 72 hours the expression of Hedgehog pathway target genes Glil (FIG. 10A), Ptchl (FIG. 10B), and HIP (FIG. IOC) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Results from a representative experiment are reported as the mean of triplicate determinations ± SD. DESCRIPTION

The present inventors describe and characterize herein a molecule (compound) which is a hybrid between a newly identified, particularly effective, oxysterol molecule (Oxy 133) and a tetracycline-derived bone targeting moiety. The hybrid molecule is called Oxyl49. Because of its ability to be delivered selectively and specifically to bone, Oxyl49 is particularly suitable for systemic delivery to a subject, e.g. for targeting osteoporosis. The present inventors first identify herein an osteogenic oxysterol, Oxyl33 which is well-suited for a variety of clinical uses, and describe its ability to promote osteogenic differentiation in vitro and spine fusion in a rat model in vivo. Of the large number of oxysterol analogues synthesized and tested, Oxyl33 was unexpectedly particularly effective and easy to synthesize. Oxyl33 induced significant expression of osteogenic markers Runx2, osterix (OSX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OCN) in C3H10T1/2 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Oxyl33-induced activation of an 8X-GH luciferase reporter, its direct binding to Smoothened, and the inhibition of Oxy 133 -induced osteogenic effects by the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, demonstrated a role of the Hh pathway in mediating osteogenic responses to Oxyl33. In addition, Oxyl33 induced the expression of OSX, BSP, and OCN and stimulated robust mineralization in primary human mesenchymal stem cells. In vivo, bilateral spine fusion in animals treated with Oxy 133 at the fusion site was observed on X-ray after only 4 weeks and confirmed with manual assessment, micro-CT, and histology after 8 weeks, with equal efficiency to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). However, unlike BMP2, Oxy 133 did not induce adipogenesis in the fusion mass and resulted in the formation of denser bone as evidenced by greater BV/TV ratio and smaller trabecular separation. Oxy 133 is thus useful for treating conditions that would benefit from localized stimulation of bone formation, including, e.g, spine fusion, fracture repair, bone regenerative/tissue engineering applications, augmentation of bone density in the jaw for dental implants, osteoporosis or the like.

The inventors also demonstrate that Oxy 133 inhibits adipogenesis of pluripotent MSC cells. Oxyl33 is thus useful for treating conditions such as, e.g., xanthoma formation, localized accumulation of fat pads and obesity.

Advantages of Oxyl33 include, e.g., greater ease of synthesis and improved time to fusion when compared to other osteogenic oxysterols studied by the inventors.

Furthermore, the inventors describe herein a modified form of Oxyl33, to which is attached a tetracycline-derived molecule that functions as a bone targeting moiety. This hybrid molecule, called Oxy 149, is selectively and specifically delivered to bone (selectively homes to bone) due to its linkage to the bone targeting agent. Without wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism, it is suggested that Oxy 149 selectively accumulates in bone and stimulates mesenchymal stem cells to undergo osteogenic differentiation and make new bone, and that this stimulation of osteogenic differentiation is mediated through the activation of Hedgehog signaling in bone cells. Regardless of the mechanism by which it functions, Oxyl49, because it is delivered selectively and specifically to bone, is effective for osteogenesis following systemic delivery to a subject. The ability to be delivered systemically represents a significant advantage, e.g. for the treatment of osteoporotic subjects. Oxyl49 is a small molecule osteogenic oxysterol that can serve as a member of the next generation of bone anabolic therapeutic agents, as well as a useful agent for treatment of a variety of other conditions, including conditions which would benefit from a stimulation of a Hh pathway activity.

One aspect of the invention is a compound, named Oxyl49, having the formula

(Formula I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

A component of Oxyl49 is the oxysterol Oxyl33, which has the formula

Another aspect of the invention is a bioactive or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxyl49 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The terms "bioactive" composition or "pharmaceutical" composition are used interchangeably herein. Both terms refer to compositions that can be administered to a subject, used to coat or be present in a medical device that is introduced into a subject, or the like. These bioactive or pharmaceutical compositions are sometimes referred to herein as "pharmaceutical compositions or bioactive compositions of the invention." Sometimes the phrase "administration of Oxyl49" is used herein in the context of administration of this compound to a subject {e.g., contacting the subject with the compound). It is to be understood that the compound for such a use can generally be in the form of a pharmaceutical composition or bioactive composition comprising the Oxyl49.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for inducing (stimulating, enhancing) a hedgehog (Hh) pathway mediated response, in a cell or tissue, e.g. in a subject, comprising contacting the cell or tissue with an effective amount (e.g. a therapeutically effective amount) of Oxyl49, wherein the hedgehog (Hh) pathway mediated response is the stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation, osteomorphogenesis, and/or osteoproliferation. The Hh mediated response can be useful in regenerative medicine.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for treating a subject having a bone disorder, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or a bone fracture, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a bioactive composition or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxyl49. The subject can be administered the bioactive composition or pharmaceutical composition at a therapeutically effective dose in an effective dosage form at a selected interval to, e.g., increase bone mass, ameliorate symptoms of osteoporosis, or reduce, eliminate, prevent or treat other conditions which would benefit from an increase in osteomorphogenesis and/or osteoproliferation.. The subject can be administered the bioactive composition or pharmaceutical composition at a therapeutically effective dose in an effective dosage form at a selected interval to ameliorate the symptoms of osteoporosis. In one embodiment, the subject is treated to induce bone formation by harvesting mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (e.g., from the subject or from a suitable mammal, or from a tissue or cell bank), treating the mammalian mesenchymal cells with Oxyl49 to induce osteoblastic differentiation of the cells, and administering the differentiated cells to the subject. In any of the methods of the invention, the Oxyl49 can be administered to a cell, tissue or organ by local administration. For example, the Oxyl49 can be applied locally with a cream or the like, or it can be injected or otherwise introduced directly into a cell, tissue or organ, or it can be introduced with a suitable medical device (e.g. an implant). Alternatively, the Oxyl49 can be administered systemically, e.g., orally, intravenously (though IV) or via injection such as intraperitoneal (IP) injection.

Another aspect of the invention is a kit for carrying out one or more of the methods described herein. The kit can comprise an effective amount (e.g. a therapeutically effective amount) of Oxyl49, optionally in a container.

Another aspect of the invention is an implant for use in the body of a subject (e.g., an animal such as a human) comprising a substrate having a surface. The surface or insides of the implant comprises a bioactive composition or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxyl49 in an amount sufficient to induce bone formation in the surrounding bone tissue.

Optionally, a bioactive composition, method, kit or medical device of the invention can comprise one or more other suitable therapeutic agents, such as, e.g., parathyroid hormone, sodium fluoride, insulin-like growth factor I (ILGF-I), insulin-like growth factor II (ILGF-II), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, an osteogenic prostanoid, BMP 2, BMP 4, BMP 7, BMP 14 and/or an anti-resorptive agent such as, e.g., bisphosphonate..

Oxyl49 has the structure

Its chemical name is (3S,5S,6S,8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17S)-3-hydroxy-17-((S)-2- hydroxyoctan-2-yl)- 10, 13 -dimethylhexadecahydro- 1 H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-yl 4-((2-(2- (2-((3-carbamoyl-2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)amino)-2-oxoethox y)ethoxy)ethyl)amino)-4- oxobutanoate

Example II describes the design of Oxyl33 and a procedure for synthesizing the molecule, as well as a synthetic procedure for linking Oxyl33 to a bone targeting moiety to generate the hybrid molecule, Oxyl49. The tetracycline derivative which is fused to Oxyl33 to form Oxyl49 was originally designed and characterized to act as a bone delivery system when linked to estradiol. See, e.g., USP 8,071,575, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The present application is directed primarily to the particular bone targeting moiety which is attached to Oxyl33 to generate Oxyl49. However, variants of the bone targeting portion, or variants in the linking region between the bone targeting portion and the Oxyl33, as described, e.g., in USP 8,071,575, are also included.

In addition to the compound Oxyl49 as shown in Formula I, other embodiments of the invention encompass any and all individual stereoisomers at any of the stereocenters shown in the Formula, including diastereomers, racemates, enantiomers, and other isomers of the compound. In embodiments of the invention, "Oxyl49" or "compound having Formula I" or "Oxyl49 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may include all polymorphs and solvates of the compound, such as hydrates and those formed with organic solvents. A "solvate" is a complex or aggregate formed by one or more molecules of a solute, e.g. a compound or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, and one or more molecules of a solvent. Such solvates can be crystalline solids having a substantially fixed molar ratio of solute and solvent. Suitable solvents will be known by those of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., water, ethanol or dimethylsulfoxide. Such isomers, polymorphs, and solvates may be prepared by methods known in the art, such as by regiospecific and/or enantioselective synthesis and resolution.

The ability to prepare salts depends on the acidity or basicity of a compound. Suitable salts of the compound include, but are not limited to, acid addition salts, such as those made with hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, perchloric, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, acetic, propionic, glycolic, lactic pyruvic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, benzoic, carbonic cinnamic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, hydroxyethanesulfonic, benezenesulfonic, p-toluene sulfonic, cyclohexanesulfamic, salicyclic, p-aminosalicylic, 2- phenoxybenzoic, and 2-acetoxybenzoic acid; salts made with saccharin; alkali metal salts, such as sodium and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium and magnesium salts; and salts formed with organic or inorganic ligands, such as quaternary ammonium salts.

Additional suitable salts include, but are not limited to, acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, clavulanate, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, oleate, pamoate (embonate), palmitate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, sulfate, subacetate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodide and valerate salts of the compounds.

It is to be understood that references herein to "Oxyl49" include pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof.

In any of the methods, compositions or kits of the invention, particularly for use in treating a subject, a composition of the invention may optionally be in combination with one or more other suitable therapeutic agents. Any therapeutic agent that is suitable for treatment of a particular condition can be used. Suitable such agents or drugs will be evident to one skilled in the art. For example, for the treatment of bone disorders, a conventional therapeutic drug can be used in combination with a composition of the invention. Some such agents include, e.g., parathyroid hormone, sodium fluoride, insulin-like growth factor I (ILGF-I), insulin-like growth factor II (ILGF-II), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, an osteogenic prostanoid, BMP 2, BMP 4, BMP 7, BMP 14, and/or bisphosphonates or other inhibitors of bone resorption.

A composition or compound of the invention can be formulated as a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises a composition of the invention and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. By a "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" is meant a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, i.e., the material may be administered to a subject without causing any undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the pharmaceutical composition in which it is contained. The carrier is naturally selected to minimize any degradation of the active ingredient and to minimize any adverse side effects in the subject, as would be well known to one of skill in the art. For a discussion of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and other components of pharmaceutical compositions, see, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18 ^th ed., Mack Publishing Company, 1990. Some suitable pharmaceutical carriers will be evident to a skilled worker and include, e.g., water (including sterile and/or deionized water), suitable buffers (such as PBS), physiological saline, cell culture medium (such as DMEM), artificial cerebral spinal fluid, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), or the like.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that a particular formulation of the invention will depend, at least in part, upon the particular agent or combination of agents that is employed and the chosen route of administration. Accordingly, there is a wide variation of suitable formulations of compositions of the present invention. Some representative formulations are discussed below. Others will be evident to a skilled worker. Oxyl49 can be administered locally or directly to a cell, tissue or organ in need of treatment, or it can be administered systemically.

Formulations or compositions suitable for oral administration can consist of liquid solutions, such as an effective amount of Oxyl49 dissolved in diluents, such as water, saline, or fruit juice; capsules, sachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, as solid, granules or freeze-dried cells; solutions or suspensions in an aqueous liquid; and oil-in-water emulsions or water-in-oil emulsions. Tablet forms can include one or more of lactose, mannitol, corn starch, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, acacia, gelatin, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, talc, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and other excipients, colorants, diluents, buffering agents, moistening agents, preservatives, flavoring agents, and pharmacologically compatible carriers. Suitable formulations for oral delivery can also be incorporated into synthetic and natural polymeric microspheres, or other means to protect the agents of the present invention from degradation within the gastrointestinal tract.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration (e.g., intravenous) include aqueous and non-aqueous, isotonic sterile injection solutions, which can contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, and solutes that render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions that can include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickening agents, stabilizers, and preservatives. The formulations can be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose sealed containers, such as ampules and vials, and can be stored in a freeze-dried (i.e., lyophilized) condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example, water, for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions can be prepared from sterile powders, granules, and tablets of the kind previously described.

Oxyl 49, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, can be made into aerosol formulations to be administered via inhalation. These aerosol formulations can be placed into pressurized acceptable propellants, such as dichlorodifluoromethane, propane, nitrogen, and the like.

Suitable formulations for topical administration include lozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavor, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier; or creams, emulsions, suspensions, solutions, gels, creams, pastes, foams, lubricants, sprays, suppositories, or the like.

Other suitable formulations include, e.g., hydrogels and polymers suitable for timed release of Oxyl49, or nanoparticles for small dose delivery of Oxyl49, Such formulations are well-known to those of skill in the art.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a suitable or appropriate formulation can be selected, adapted or developed based upon the particular application at hand. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be prepared for administration by a variety of different routes, whether systemic, local or both. Such examples include, but are not limited to, administrations performed intraarticularly, intracranially, intradermally, intrahepatically, intramuscularly, intraocularly, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intravenously, subcutaneously, transdermally, or directly into a bone region atherosclerotic site, such as by direct injection, introduction with a catheter or other medical devise, topical application, direct application, and/or by implanting a device into in an artery or other appropriate tissue site.

Ox l49 may be formulated to be contained within, or adapted to release by a surgical or medical device or implant. In certain aspects, an implant may be coated or otherwise treated with Oxyl49. For example, hydrogels, or other polymers, such as biocompatible and/or biodegradable polymers, may be used to coat an implant with the compositions of the present invention (i.e., the composition may be adapted for use with a medical device by using a hydrogel or other polymer). Polymers and copolymers for coating medical devices with an agent are well-known in the art. Examples of medical devises and implants include, but are not limited to, sutures and prostheses such as prosthetic joints, and can be in the shape, e.g., of a pin, screw, plate or prosthetic joint. An "effective amount" of Oxyl49, as used herein, refers to an amount that can bring about at least a detectable effect. A "therapeutically effective amount," as used herein, refers to an amount that can bring about at least a detectable therapeutic response in a subject being treated (e.g., the amelioration of one or more symptoms) over a reasonable period of time.

In embodiments of the invention, Oxyl49 can stimulate or inhibit a therapeutic response, as measured by any of a variety of conventional assays, by about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% 150%, 200% or more of that in an untreated control sample. Intermediate values in these ranges are also included.

Dosages for Oxyl49 can be in unit dosage form, such as a tablet or capsule. The term "unit dosage form," as used herein, refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for animal (e.g., human) subjects, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of an agent of the invention, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, calculated in an amount sufficient to produce the desired effect in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, or vehicle.

One skilled in the art can routinely determine the appropriate dose, schedule, and method of administration for the exact formulation of the composition being used, in order to achieve the desired effective amount or effective concentration of the agent in the individual patient. One skilled in the art also can readily determine and use an appropriate indicator of the "effective concentration" of the compounds, for example, Oxyl49, by a direct or indirect analysis of appropriate patient samples (e.g., blood and/or tissues), in addition to analyzing the appropriate clinical symptoms of the disease, disorder, or condition.

The exact dose of Oxyl49 or composition thereof administered to an animal, such as a human, in the context of the present invention will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, weight and general condition of the subject, the severity or mechanism of any disorder being treated, the particular agent or vehicle used, its mode of administration, other medications the patient is taking and other factors normally considered by an attending physician, when determining an individual regimen and dose level appropriate for a particular patient, and the like. The dose used to achieve a desired concentration in vivo will be determined by the potency of the form of the Oxyl49, the pharmacodynamics associated with the Oxyl49 in the host, with or without additional agents, the severity of the disease state of infected individuals, as well as, in the case of systemic administration, the body weight and age of the individual. The size of the dose may also be determined by the existence of any adverse side effects that may accompany the particular agent, or composition thereof, employed. It is generally desirable, whenever possible, to keep adverse side effects to a minimum.

For example, a dose can be administered in the range of from about 5 ng (nanograms) to about 1000 mg (milligrams), or from about 100 ng to about 600 mg, or from about 1 mg to about 500 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 400 mg. For example, the dose can be selected to achieve a dose to body weight ratio of from about 0.0001 mg/kg to about 1500 mg/kg, or from about 1 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, or from about 5 mg/kg to about 150 mg/kg, or from about 20 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg. For example, a dosage unit can be in the range of from about 1 ng to about 5000 mg, or from about 5 ng to about 1000 mg, or from about 100 ng to about 600 mg, or from about 1 mg to about 500 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 400 mg, or from about 40 mg to about 200 mg of Oxyl49 or a composition comprising Oxyl49. In one embodiment of the invention, amounts of Oxyl49 as above {e.g., a few grams) are administered locally, such as. in a spine fusion procedure as part of a scaffold.

A dose can be administered once per day, twice per day, four times per day, or more than four times per day as required to elicit a desired therapeutic effect. For example, a dose administration regimen can be selected to achieve a blood serum concentration of a compound of the present invention in the range of from about 0.01 to about 1000 nM, or from about 0.1 to about 750 nM, or from about 1 to about 500 nM, or from about 20 to about 500 nM, or from about 100 to about 500 nM, or from about 200 to about 400 nM. For example, a dose administration regime can be selected to achieve an average blood serum concentration with a half maximum dose of a compound of the present invention in the range of from about 1 μg/L (microgram per liter) to about 2000 μg /L, or from about 2 μg /L to about 1000 μg /L, or from about 5 μg /L to about 500 μg /L, or from about 10 μg /L to about 400 μg /L, or from about 20 μg /L to about 200 μg /L, or from about 40 μg /L to about 100 μg /L.

Certain embodiments of the invention may also include treatment with an additional agent which acts independently or synergistically with the Oxyl49 to improve the therapeutic results. When given in combined therapy, the agent other than Oxyl49 can be given at the same time as the Oxyl49, or the dosing can be staggered as desired. The two (or more) drugs also can be combined in a composition. Doses of each can be less when used in combination than when either is used alone. Suitable doses can be determined by a skilled worker, using standard dosage parameters.. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

A "subject," as used herein, includes any animal that exhibits a symptom of a condition that can be treated with Oxyl49. Suitable subjects (patients) include laboratory animals (such as mouse, rat, rabbit, or guinea pig), farm animals, and domestic animals or pets (such as a cat, dog, or horse). Non-human primates including human patients, are included. Typical subjects include animals that exhibit aberrant amounts (lower amounts than a "normal" or "healthy" subject) of one or more physiological activities that are stimulated by Hedgehog signaling. The aberrant activities may be regulated by any of a variety of mechanisms, including activation of a Hedgehog activity. The aberrant activities can result in a pathological condition.

One embodiment of the invention is a kit useful for any of the methods disclosed herein, either in vitro or in vivo. Such a kit comprises Oxyl49 or a bioactive or pharmaceutical composition thereof, and can comprise one or more other oxysterols, e.g. which result in an increase in a Hh pathway-mediated activity, or other suitable therapeutic agents. Optionally, the kits comprise instructions for performing the method. Optional elements of a kit of the invention include suitable buffers, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, or the like, containers, or packaging materials. The reagents of the kit may be in containers in which the reagents are stable, e.g., in lyophilized form or stabilized liquids. The reagents may also be in single use form, e.g., in single dosage form. A skilled worker will recognize components of kits suitable for carrying out any of the methods of the invention.

A variety of conditions can be treated with Oxyl49, used alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents.

As shown, e.g., in the Examples herein, Oxyl49 results in an increase in hedgehog pathway activity.

One effect of Oxyl49 is to target pluripotent cells to induce their lineage specific differentiation into various cell types, e.g., osteoblasts, For example, as shown in the Examples, mesenchymal stem cells treated with Oxyl49 showed induced expression of markers of osteoblast differentiation. Without wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism, it is suggested that this lineage specific differentiation is due to the induction of Hedgehog signaling in these cells. However, methods of treatment discussed herein are included in the present invention, regardless of the mechanism by which the Oxyl49 functions. Oxyl49 is useful for treating conditions which would benefit from stimulation of bone formation, osteoblastic differentiation, osteomorphogenesis and/or osteoproliferation. Among these conditions or treatments are, e.g., osteoinductive therapy for stimulation of localized bone formation in spine fusion or osteoporosis, bone fracture repair or healing, dental procedures for which increased bone formation in the jaw is of clinical benefit, repair of craniofacial bone defects induced by trauma or congenital defects such as cleft palate/lip, and a number of other musculoskeletal disorders in which native bone growth is inadequate, which will be evident to skilled workers. Treatment can be administered to treat open fractures and fractures at high risk of non-union, and in subjects with spinal disorders, including subjects in need of spine fusion (e.g., anterior lumbar interbody fusion, posterior lumbar spinal fusion, and cervical spine fusion) or subjects having degenerative disc disease or arthritis affecting the lumbar and cervical spine. Furthermore, Oxyl49 can be used to treat osteoporosis, particularly in the aging and postmenopausal population, resulting from increased bone resorption by osteoclasts in parallel with decreased bone formation by osteoblasts.

More particularly, the following types of bone-related treatments can be carried out: 1. Oxy 149 is used as an osteogenic agent delivered locally in the body in order to stimulate localized bone formation, using a scaffold that is composed of a compatible molecule such as but not limited to collagen I, which absorbs Oxyl49 and then is placed inside the body. For example the scaffold containing Oxy 149 and which can be placed in between transverse processes or in the intervertebral disc where the fusion of two or more vertebrae is indicated, for example in spine fusion, pseudoarthrosis, and non-union fusions. In other embodiments, the scaffold containing Oxy 149 is placed in a fractured bone in order to simulate bone formation and healing of the fracture; is placed in a bone defect such as calvarial or maxillofacial bone defects where bone regeneration by Oxy 149 is indicated; or is placed in the jaw bone in order to stimulate bone formation as a means of regenerating bone prior to dental procedures such as dental implants.

2. Oxyl49 is used as an osteogenic agent in vitro For example, it is administered to osteoprogenitor cells, for example mesenchymal stem cells, in order to stimulate their osteogenic differentiation prior to the application of such cells in orthopedic and other procedures as indicated in 1) above order to stimulate localized bone formation.

3. Oxyl49 is used in vitro in order to stimulate the Hedgehog signaling pathway in osteoprogenitor cells, thereby leading to the osteogenic differentiation of the cells in vitro or in vivo. Another embodiment of the invention relates to hybrid molecules comprising Oxyl33 or other osteogenic oxysterols described previously by the some of the present inventors, wherein the oxysterols are linked to other versions of tetracycline-derived bone targeting moieties described by some of the present inventors. Some such moieties are described, e.g., in USP 7,196,220 and USP 7,196,220.

Any osteogenic oxysterol molecule can be linked (conjugated) to such a tetracycline derivative and used as described hererin. Representative such oxysterols include Oxy8, 34, 40 and 49, or other suitable oxysterols previously described by the present inventors or by others. Some such hybrid molecules include the following!

In the foregoing and in the following examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected degrees Celsius; and, unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are weight.

EXAMPLES

Example I - Materials and Methods

Cell Culture and Reagents

Mouse multipotent bone marrow stromal cell (MSC) line, M2-10B4 (M2), and embryonic fibroblast cell line C3H10T1/2 (C3H) were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, MD) and cultured as we have previously reported (14,15). Treatment to induce osteogenic differentiation was performed in RPMI for M2 cells or DMEM for C3H cells containing 5% fetal bovine serum, 50μg/ml ascorbate, and 3mM β-glycerophosphate (βΰΡ) (differentiation media). Cyclopamine was purchased from EMD Biosciences, Inc. (La Jolla, CA). Primary human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC) were purchased from Lonza (Walkersville, MD), cultured and passaged in growth medium from StemCell Technologies (Vancouver, Canada) according to manufacturer's instructions. Osteogenic differentiation of HMSC was induced by treating the cells in DMEM low glucose containing antibiotics and 10% heat-inactivated FBS, 10-8 M dexamethasone, 10 mM βΘΡ, and 0.2 mM ascorbate.

Alkaline Phosphatase Activity and Von Kossa Staining

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay on whole cell extracts (13,14), and von Kossa staining of cell monolayers for mineralization (16) were performed as previously described. Quantitative RT-PCR

Total RNA was extracted with the RNA isolation Trizol reagent from Ambion, Inc. (Austin, TX) according to the manufacturer's instructions. RNA (1 μg) was reverse-transcribed using reverse transcriptase from Bio-Rad (Hercules, CA) to make single stranded cDNA. Q-RT- PCR reactions were performed using iQ SYBR Green Supermix and an iCycler RT-PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad). Primer sequences for mouse genes Gli-1, Patchedl (Ptchl), bone- liver-kidney isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), Runx2, osterix (OSX), osteocalcin (OCN) and GAPDH were used as previously described (14). Human primers sequences were: GAPDH 5'-CCT CAA GAT CAT CAG CAA TGC CTC CT (SEQ ID NO:l) and 3'-GGT CAT GAG TCC TTC CAC GAT ACC AA (SEQ ID NO:2), BSP 5'- AGA AGA GGA GGA GGA AGA AGA GG (SEQ ID NO:3) and 3' - CAG TGT TGT AGC AGA AAG TGT GG (SEQ ID NO:4), OSX 5' - GCG GCA AGA GGT TCA CTC GTT CG (SEQ ID NO:5) and 3' - CAG GTC TGC GAA ACT TCT TAG AT (SEQ ID NO:6); relative expression levels were calculated using the 2AACT method as previously described (15).

Transient Transfection and Gli-Dependent Reporter Assay

Cells at 70% confluence in 24-well plates were transiently transfected with Gli- dependent firefly luciferase and Renilla luciferase vectors as we have previously described (17,18). FuGENE 6 transfection reagent (Roche Applied Science, Indianapolis, IN) was used at a ratio of 3: 1 with nuclease-free water and total DNA per well did not exceed 500 ng. Luciferase activity was assessed using the Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay System (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) according to manufacturer's instructions after cells were treated for 48 hours.

Synthesis and Molecular Characterization of Oxyl33

Materials were obtained from commercial suppliers and were used without further purification. Air or moisture sensitive reactions were conducted under argon atmosphere using oven-dried glassware and standard syringe/septa techniques. The reactions were monitored on silica gel TLC plates under UV light (254 nm) followed by visualization with Hanessian's staining solution. Column chromatography was performed on silica gel 60. 1H NMR spectra were measured in CDC13. Data obtained are reported as follows in ppm from an internal standard (TMS, 0.0 ppm): chemical shift (multiplicity, integration, coupling constant in Hz.). Stepwise detailed description of the synthesis protocol and characterization of the intermediates and final products are provided in Supplemental Material. Animals

Thirty-eight 8-week-old male Lewis rats were purchased from Charles River Laboratories (Wilmington, MA) and were maintained and housed at the UCLA vivarium in accordance with regulations set forth by the UCLA Office of Protection of Research Subjects. The study was performed under a protocol approved by the UCLA Animal Research Committee (ARC). All animals were euthanized using a standard C02 chamber 8 weeks after the spinal fusion procedure, and their spines were excised and stored in 40% ethyl alcohol.

Surgical Procedures

Animals were pre-medicated with sustained release buprenorphine thirty minutes prior to surgery and anesthetized with 2% isoflurane administered in oxygen (lL/min). The surgical site was shaved and disinfected with Betadine and 70% ethanol. Posterolateral intertransverse process spinal fusion at L4-L5 was performed as in prior studies (21,22). The L6 vertebral body was identified using the iliac crest as a landmark. A 4-cm longitudinal midline incision was made through the skin and subcutaneous tissue over L4-L5 down to the lumbodorsal fascia. A 2-cm longitudinal paramedial incision was then made in the paraspinal muscles bilaterally to expose the transverse processes of L4-L5, which were decorticated with a high-speed burr. The surgical site was then irrigated with sterile saline, and 5mmx5mmx l3mm pieces of collagen sponge (Helistat, Integra Life Sciences) containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, rhBMP- 2, or Oxyl49 were placed bilaterally, with each implant spanning the transverse processes. The implants were then covered with the overlying paraspinal muscles and the lumbodorsal fascia and skin were closed with 4-0 Prolene sutures (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ). Animals were allowed to ambulate, eat, and drink ad libitum immediately after surgery.

Radiographic Analysis

Posteroanterior radiographs of the lumbar spine were taken on each animal at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery using a Faxitron LX60 cabinet radiography system and evaluated blindly by two independent observers employing the following standardized scale: 0, no fusion; 1, unilateral fusion; and 2, complete bilateral fusion. The scores from the observers were added together and only a score of 4 was considered as complete fusion.

Manual Assessment of Fusion

Eight weeks after surgery, animals were euthanized and the spines were surgically removed and evaluated by two blinded independent observers for motion between levels. Nonunion was recorded if motion was observed between the facets or transverse processes on either side. Complete fusion was recorded if no motion was observed bilaterally. Spines were scored as either fused or not fused. Unanimous agreement was required to consider complete fusion.

Micro-Computed Tomography

Each removed spine was analyzed by high resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), using a SkyScan 1172 scanner (SkyScan, Belgium) with a voxel isotropic resolution of 20μηι and an X-ray energy of 55kVp and 181mA to further assess the fusion rate and observe the fusion mass as we have previously reported (15). Three hundred and sixty projections were acquired over an angular range of 180° with steps of 0.5 with an exposure time of 220 msec/slice. Five frames were averaged at each rotation step to get better signal to noise ratio. A 0.5 mm aluminum filter was used to narrow down the X-ray beam frequency in order to minimize beam hardening artifact. Virtual image slices were reconstructed using the cone-beam reconstruction software version 2.6 based on the Feldkamp algorithm (SkyScan). These settings produced serial cross-sectional 1024x 1024 pixel images. Sample re-orientation and 2D visualization were performed using DataViewer (SkyScan). 3D visualization was performed using Dolphin Imaging version 11 (Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA). Fusion was defined as the bilateral presence of bridging bone between the L4 and L5 transverse processes. The reconstructed images were judged to be fused or not fused by two experienced independent observers. To quantify the density of bone formed within each fusion mass, the tissue volume of the mass (TV), trabecular bone volume within the mass (BV), BV/TV ratio, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation were calculated. This was performed using DataViewer software with measurements across 501 axial slices (20um per slice, 10.02 mm length) within each fusion mass, centered at the level of the intervertebral body ofL4-5.

Histology

After undergoing micro-CT, two representative specimens from each surgical group were processed undecalcified by dehydration, clearing in xylene and embedding in methyl methacrylate as we have previously reported (15,23). Serial coronal sections were cut with a thickness of 5um and stained with toluidine blue pH 6.4. Photomicrographs of sections were obtained as previously reported using a ScanScope XT System (Aperio Technologies, Inc., Vista, CA) at a magnification of 10X in Figure 7A and 20X in Figure 7B (24). Statistical Analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using the StatView 5 program. All p values were calculated using ANOVA and Fisher's projected least significant difference (PLSD) significance test. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant.

Example II - Synthetic Scheme for the Synthesis of Oxyl33 and its Linkage to the Bone Targeting Agent in Order to Create the Hybrid Molecule OXY149

Materials were obtained from commercial suppliers and were used without further purification. Air or moisture sensitive reactions were conducted under argon atmosphere using oven-dried glassware and standard syringe/septa techniques. The reactions were monitored on silica gel TLC plates under UV light (254 nm) followed by visualization with Hanessian's staining solution. Column chromatography was performed on silica gel 60. Ή NMR spectra were measured in CDC1 ₃ . Data obtained are reported as follows in ppm from an internal standard (TMS, 0.0 ppm): chemical shift (multiplicity, integration, coupling constant in Hz.). The following is a stepwise description of the protocol. Structures of Oxy34 and Oxy49, the synthesis of which some of the inventors had previously reported [Johnson et al. (2011), Journal of Cellular Biochemistry J_12, 1673-1684], are shown for comparison to the structure of Oxyl33.

1 -((3S.5S.6S.8R.9S.10R.13S.14S.17S)-3.6-bisf (tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-10.13- dimethylhexadecahvdro-1 H-cvclopentara1phenanthren-17-yl)ethanone (1)

Prepared according to a published patent procedure [Parhami et al. (2009), WO

2009/07386, pp.52]

¹ H NMR (CDCI3, 400 MHZ) δ: 3.47 (1 H, dddd, J=1 1.0, 1 1.0, 4.8, 4,8 Hz), 3.36 (1 H, ddd, J=10.4, 10.4, 4.4 Hz), 2.53 (1 H, d, J=8.8, 8.8 Hz), 2.20-2.14 (1 H, m), 2.10 (3H, s), 2.01 -1.97 (1 H, m), 1.88-1.82 (1 H, m), 1.73-0.89 (17H, m), 0.88, 18H, s), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.59 (3H, s), 0.043 (3H, s), 0.04 (3H, s), 0.03 (3H, s), 0.02 (3H, s). ¹³ C NMR (CDCI3, 100 MHZ) δ: 209.5, 72.2, 70.1 , 63.7, 56.4, 53.7, 51.8, 44.2, 41 .9, 38.9, 37.6, 36.3, 34.3, 33.2, 31.7, 31.5, 25.94, 25.92, 24.4, 22.7, 21.1 , 18.3, 18.1 , 13.5, 13.4, -4.1 , -4.6, -4.7.

(R)-2-((3S.5S.6S.8R.9S.10R, 3S, 14S.17S)-3.6-bis((tert-butyldimethylsilvDoxy)-10.13- dimethylhexadecahvdro-1 H-cyclopentafalphenanthren-17-yl)oct-3-vn-2-ol (2)

To a cold (0°C) solution of n-hexyne (1.5 mL, 12 mmol) in THF (6 mL) was added a 1.6 M solution of n-BuLi in hexanes (3.75 mL). The resulting solution was stirred for 30 min until a solution of compound 1 (1.27 g, 2.2 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added via cannula. The mixture was warmed to room temperature over 3 h and diluted with water (40 mL) and the crude product was isolated by ethyl acetate extraction (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ . Concentration gave an oily product which was purified on silica gel (hexane, EtO Ac, gradient). There was 1.30 g of product 2 (92%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHZ) δ: 3.50 (1 H, ddd, J=15.9, 1 1.0, 4.8 Hz), 3.36 (1 H, dt, J=10.6, 4.3 Hz), 2.18 (1 H, t, t= 6.9 Hz), 2.10 (1 H, m), 1.91-1.62 (4H, m), 1.53-1.31 (2H, m, 3H, s), 1.31-0.93 (22 H, m), 0.93 (3H, s), 0.92 (3H, m), 0.90 (18H, s), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.61 (1 H, m), 0.04 (6H, s), 0.03 (6H, s). ¹³ C NMR (CDCI3, 75 MHZ) δ: 85.9, 83.9, 72.4, 71.4, 70.3, 60.5, 55.8, 53.8, 51.8, 43.5, 36.3, 33.7, 33.0, 30.7, 25.9, 22.0, 18.4, 18.3, 18.1 , 13.6, 13.5, -4.7, -4.7.

(S)-2-((3S.5S.6S.8R.9S.10R.13S.14S.17S)-3.6-bis((tert-but yldimethylsilyl)oxy)-10.13- dimethylhexadecahvdro-1 H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)octan-2-ol (3)

Compound 2 (1.3 g, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in EtOAc (5 mL), MeOH (5 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 0.1 g) was added to the solution. The mixture was degassed repeatedly under vacuum and then exposed to hydrogen gas under atmospheric pressure (balloon). After 18 h at room temperature, the mixture was diluted with EtOAc (20 mL) and filtered over Celite to remove the catalyst. The filter washed with EtOAc and the combined filtrates evaporated. There was 1.3 g of reduced product 3 which was used without further purification.

1H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHZ) 5:3.50 (1 H, ddd, J=15.9, 1 1.0, 4.8 Hz), 3.36 (1 H, dt, J=10.6, 4.3 Hz), 2.1-1.95 (2H, m), 1.75-1.35 (10 H, m), 1.32-1.29 (10H, m, 3H, s), 0.91- 1 .21 (10H, m), 0.89 (18H, s), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.63 (3H, m), 0.04 (6H, s), 0.03 (6H, s) ¹³ C NMR (CDCI3, 75 MHZ) δ: 75.2, 72.3, 57.6, 56.4, 53.8, 51.8, 42.9, 37.6, 36.3, 33.7, 31.9, 30.0, 25.9, 22.6, 18.3, 18.1 , 14.1 , 13.8, 13.5, -4.6, -4.7.

(3S.5S.6S.8R.9S.10R.13S.14S.17S)-17-(f S)-2-hvdroxyoctan-2-yl)-10.13- dimethylhexadecahvdro-1 H-cvclopenta[alphenanthrene-3,6-diol (OXY133)

A 1 M solution of TBAF in THF (8 mL, 8 mmol, 4 equiv) was directly added to compound 3 (1.3 g, 2.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and the resulting solution was diluted with THF (1 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 72 hours. The mixture was then diluted with water (50 mL) and extracted repeatedly with EtOAc (4 x 40 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and the solvent evaporated. Purification of the crude product by silica gel chromatography (hexane, EtOAc, gradient, then 10% MeOH in EtOAc) afforded a white solid (0.6 g, 70%) which was subjected to trituration in aqueous acetone (acetone, water, 3: 1 ).

1 H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHZ) δ: 3.50 (1 H, ddd, J=15.9, 1 1.0, 4.8 Hz), 3.36 (1 H, dt, J=10.6, 4.3 Hz), 2.19 (1 H, m), 2.10-1.90 (3 H, m), 1.85-1.60 (7 H, m), 1.55-1.38 (7H, m), 1.25 (1 1 H, brs), 1.20-0.95 (4 H, m), 0.90 (3H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s) 0.62 (2H, m). ¹³ C NMR (CDCI3, 75 MHZ) δ: 75.1 , 71.1 , 69.3, 57.5, 56.2, 53.6, 51.6, 44.0,

42.8, 41.4, 40.1 , 37.2, 36.2, 33.5, 32.1 , 31.8, 30.9, 29.9, 26.3, 24.2, 23.6, 22.5, 22.2,

20.9, 14.0, 13.6, 13.3. MS: M+H = 420.36. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M- 2 H ₂ 0 Hf calcd for C ₂₇ H ₄₄ OH: 385.3470, found 385.3478.

4-(((3S.5S.6S.8R.9S.10R.13S.14S.17S)-3-hvdroxy-17-((S)-2-hvd roxyoctan-2-yl)-10.13- dimethylhexadecahydro-1 H-cvclopentaralphenanthren-6-v0oxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid (6) To a solution of OXY133 (80 mg, 0.2 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (2 mL) was added Et ₃ N (0.08 mL), DMAP (~ 1 mg, 5 mol%) and succinic anhydride (20 mg, 1 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for six hours after which a second portion of succinic anhydride was added (20 mg, 1 eq). After 18 hours at room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated NaHC0 ₃ solution (20 mL) and CH ₂ CI ₂ (10 mL). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (3x10 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with 0.5 M HCI solution and water, dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and the solvent evaporated. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (EtOAc, then 10% MeOH in EtOAc) to afford a fraction rich in recovered staring material, a fraction rich in desired compound 6 (40 mg, 38%) and mixed fractions containing 6 and its regioisomer.

H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHZ) δ: 4.71 (1 H, ddd, J=15.9, 1 1.0, 4.8 Hz), 3.36 (1 H, dt, J=10.6, 4.3 Hz), 2.65 (4H, m), 2.19 (1 H, m), 2.10-1.90 (3 H, m), 1.85-1.60 (7 H, m), 1.55-1.38 (7H, m), 1.25 (1 1 H, brs), 1.20-0.95 (4 H, m), 0.90 (3H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s) 0.62 (2H, m).

(3S.5S.6S.8R.9S.10R.13S.14S.17S)-3-hvdroxy-17-((S)-2-hvdr oxyoctan-2-yl)-10.13- dimethylhexadecahvdro-1 H-cvclopentafalphenanthren-6-yl 4-((2-(2-(2-((3-carbamoyl-2- hvdroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)amino)-2-oxoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)amin o)-4-oxobutanoate (OXY149) To a solution of compound 6 (0.1 g, 0.19 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (2 mL) was added added Et ₃ N (0.1 mL) followed by BTA amine HCI salt 4 (0.15 g, 0.41 mmol, 1.7 eq) and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. Then EDCI (140 mg, 3 eq) was added to the mixture in one portion. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 72 h under inert atmosphere (forming a viscous syrup as the solvent partially evaporated). Then, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated NaHC0 ₃ solution (20 mL) and CH ₂ CI ₂ (10 mL). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (3x10 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with 0.5 M HCI solution and water, dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and the solvent evaporated. The crude product was purified twice by silica gel chromatography (first 10% MeOH in EtOAc, then in CH ₂ CI ₂ , MeOH 1-3%) to afford OXY149 (50 mg, 32%) with an estimated purity of 90%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHZ) δ: 14.62 (1 H, m), 8.39 (1 H, d, j = 9 Hz), 6.40 (3H, d, J= 9 Hz), 4.73 (1 H, m), 4.14 (2H, s), 3.92 (3H, s), 3.76-3.34 (9H, m), 2.57-2.42 (4H, m), 2.19 (1 H, m), 2.10-1.90 (3 H, m), 1.85-1.60 (8 H, m), 1.55-1.38 (8H, m), 1.25 (12H, brs), 1.20-0.95 (4 H, m), 0.90 (3H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s) 0.62 (2H, m). ¹³ C NMR (CDCI3, 75 MHZ) δ: 172.5, 172.4, 171.7, 168.2, 154.7, 154.3, 124.2, 121.1 , 102.7, 100.2, 75.1 , 73.9, 71.3, 70.3, 70.1 , 69.4, 69.3, 57.7, 56.3, 53.7, 51.7, 51.6, 44.1 , 42.9, 41.4, 40.1 , 39.3, 37.0, 36.3, 33.6, 32.3, 31.9, 31.1 , 30.0, 29.7, 28.3, 27.1 , 26.4, 24.3, 23.7, 22.7, 21.0, 14.1 , 13.7, 13.4. Analytical HPLC: Phenomenex C-18 column (Gemini, 3x100 mm, 5 microns). A: water, formic acid (999:1 ), B: Acetonitrile, formic acid (999:1). % B after each minute of run time: 0, 0.5, 8, 10, 20, 20, 100, 100. Retention time 8.1 min, MS: M+H = 831.4.

Example III - Experimental Results: Stimulation by Oxyl33 of Osteogenesis of Bone Formation and Spinal Fusion In Vivo

Oxyl33 Induces Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells, Embryonic Fibroblasts, and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

To achieve the goal of developing a molecule capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, we modified the molecular structure of the most potent osteogenic naturally occurring oxysterol, 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol (20S) based on our understanding of the structure activity relationships observed in over 100 previously synthesized analogues. We previously reported that robust osteogenic differentiation was achieved with two structural analogues of 20S, Oxy34 and Oxy49 (15). These molecules were formed by adding an a hydroxyl (OH) group on carbon 6 (C6) in both Oxy34 and 49, and a double bond between C25 and C27 in Oxy49 (Figure 1) (15). In studies reported here, we attempted to further improve on these two molecules by developing a more easily synthesized and more potent analogue that would be suitable for scale up into large amounts for future preclinical and clinical studies in large animals and humans, respectively. This molecule could be a candidate for therapeutic development and clinical use to increase bone formation locally for stimulation of spinal fusion and fracture healing, and perhaps even systemically to address disorders such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Through structure activity relationship studies a novel analogue, Oxyl33, was synthesized according to the protocol described in Example II and tested for osteoinductive activity. Oxyl33 differs from Oxy34 and 49 by the deletion of C27 and increasing the length of the side chain by one carbon (Figure 1). Importantly, Oxyl33 can be more readily prepared on large scale due to inexpensive commercially available starting materials that result in a significantly less costly product compared to Oxy34 and Oxy49. Moreover, the alkyne addition used in the preparation of Oxyl33 is superior to the Grignard chemistry used in the synthesis of Oxy34 and Oxy49 in terms of yield, purity of products (diastereoselectivity), and scalability.

As compared with other structural analogues of 20S, Oxyl33 has surprisingly improved potency in inducing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as measured by ALP enzymatic activity assay in C3H and M2 cells. This is a useful model for osteogenic activity, as we have previously reported for other oxysterol analogues (15). A dose-dependent increase in ALP activity was observed with Oxyl33 at low micromolar (μΜ) concentrations (Figure 2A, B). The EC50 for Oxyl33 was found to be approximately 0.5 uM in C3H (Figure 2A) and 0.44 μΜ in M2 cells (Figure 2B). The EC50 of Oxy34 and Oxy49 in C3H cells was found to be similar to what was previously reported in M2 cells, 0.8 and 0.9 μΜ, respectively, and significantly higher than the EC50 of Oxyl33 (Figure 2A). Moreover, Oxyl33 at high doses induced a greater level of ALP activity than similar doses of Oxy34 and Oxy49 in C3H cells (Figure 2A). Oxyl33 was found to have other beneficial effects in inducing osteogenic differentiation of cells through analysis of the expression of osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runx2, Osterix (OSX), ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OCN). In C3H cells treatment with 2.5 μΜ Oxyl33 induced Runx2 expression 2 and 3.2 fold after 4 and 7 days of treatment, respectively, which returned to baseline levels at 14 days (Figure 3 A). OSX expression was significantly induced 3 fold after 2 days and remained elevated throughout the experiment reaching a maximum induction of 4.5 fold (Figure 3A). Treatment of C3H cells with Oxyl33 induced the expression of ALP 18 fold after 2 days which maximized to 120 fold after 4 days and then dropped to 22 fold after 7 and 14 days, respectively (Figure 3A). BSP expression was maximally induced 9 fold on day 4 and remained induced for the duration of the experiment in spite of lowering with the longer exposure of cells to Oxyl33 (Figure 3A). Oxyl33 treatment also induced the expression of osteoblast-specific gene, osteocalcin, 2.8 fold after 4 days and reached a maximum of 4.2 fold after 14 days post-treatment (Figure 3A). Oxyl33 induced robust matrix mineralization in cultures of C3H cells as determined by von Kossa staining (Figure 3B) and quantitative extracellular matrix 45Ca assay after 21 days of treatment (Figure 3C). These data demonstrate the efficacy and potency of Oxyl33 as an osteoinductive oxysterol.

The osteogenic effects of Oxyl33 were also examined in primary human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) by assessing the expression of osteogenic genes 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-treatment. ALP expression was high in untreated cells at all time points and there was no change with Oxyl33 treatment (data not shown). After one week, a significant 2 fold increase in BSP expression was observed that was further increased to 4 fold after 2 and 4 weeks (Figure 3D). Oxyl33 also induced a significant induction of OSX (3 fold) and OCN (2 fold) after 4 weeks (Figure 3D). Additionally, Oxyl33 stimulated robust extracellular matrix mineralization in cultures of primary human MSC cells as demonstrated by von Kossa staining after 5 weeks of treatment (Figure 3E).

Oxyl33 Induces Osteogenic Differentiation Through Activation of Hedgehog Pathway Signaling

Prior research has demonstrated that 20S and its structural analogues Oxy34 and Oxy49 induce osteogenic differentiation via activation of Hh pathway signaling (15). However, the molecular mechanism for osteogenic oxysterol-mediated activation of Hh pathway signaling was not previously known. Given its greater osteogenic activity, Oxyl33 is a useful tool for identifying the molecular mechanism by which Hh pathway activation and osteognesis are achieved by the semi-synthetic oxysterols. In order to determine whether and how Oxyl33 induces osteogenic differentiation through the Hh pathway, the effect of the selective Hh pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, on Oxy 133-induced ALP activity and expression of osteogenic differentiation markers ALP, BSP, and OSX was examined. Cyclopamine completely inhibited Oxy 133-induced ALP activity and expression of osteogenic markers ALP, BSP, and OSX, in C3H cells (Figure 4A), as well as in M2 cells (data not shown) suggesting that Oxyl33 does act via the Hh signaling pathway. To further analyze the activation of Hh signaling by Oxy 133, activation of a Gli-dependent luciferase reporter transfected into C3H cells was examined using previously reported methods (15,17). Oxyl33 induced a dose-dependent increase in activity of the Gli-dependent reporter, reaching a 5 fold induction at 100 nM and a 17 fold induction at 1 |jM Oxyl33 (Figure 4B).

Oxyl33 Activates the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway by Binding to the Smoothened Receptor

We previously reported that 20S selectively activates Hh signaling by binding to the Smo receptor (19). To determine whether Oxyl33 activates Hh signaling by the same mechanism, we tested the ability of Oxyl33 to compete for YFP-tagged Smo (YFP-Smo) binding with a 20S analogue coupled to magnetic beads. As we previously reported, this analogue, nat-20S-yne, contains an alkyne moiety on the iso-octyl chain, allowing for click chemistry-mediated coupling to magnetic beads (20S-beads) (19). Using these beads for sterol-binding assays, the amount of YFP-Smo remaining on the beads relative to a no-competitor sample is measured by Western blotting. Compounds that bind Smo at the same site as 20S compete with the 20S-beads and reduce the amount of protein in the eluate. We have tested many other sterols both in Smo binding assays and Hh signaling assays and in all cases binding to Smo correlated with a change in Hh pathway activity (19). Both Oxyl33 and 20S, the positive control, reduced the amount of YFP-Smo captured on 20S-coupled beads (Figure 4C). In an important control, a structurally related analogue, Oxyl6, which cannot activate Hh signaling or osteogenesis (Parhami et al. unpublished observations) failed to prevent the interaction between YFP-Smo and 20S-beads (Figure 4C). This reduction in the amount of YFP-Smo captured by 20S-beads in the presence of free Oxyl33 suggests that Oxyl33 binds to the same site on Smo as 20S. It is important to emphasize that our assay is semi-quantitative and cannot be used to derive Kd for the interaction, principally because we do not know the concentration of YFP-Smo in the extract and the amount of 20S productively immobilized on beads.

Oxy 133 Stimulates Bone Formation and Spinal Fusion In Vivo

Eight week old Lewis rats were divided into five treatment groups that differed only by the reagent contained within the collagen sponge at the surgery site: Group 1 -control vehicle (DMSO) only (n=7), Group II-5 μg rhBMP-2 (n=8), Group 111-20 mg Oxy 133 (n=7), Group IV- 2 mg Oxyl33 (n=8), and Group V-0.2 mg Oxyl33 (n=8). Bone formation and spinal fusion were assessed at various time points post-operatively through radiographic analysis, and at sacrifice using manual assessment, microcomputed tomography, and histology. Fusion rates at sacrifice are summarized in Table 1.

Radiographic Analysis

The first sets of radiographs were performed four weeks after the operation. At this time point, bilateral fusion was observed in 8/8 animals in the BMP2 group, 6/7 animals in the Oxyl33-20 mg group, 3/8 animals in the Oxyl33-2 mg group, and no fusion in the control and the Oxy 133-0.2 mg groups. Unilateral fusion was observed in the remaining Oxy 133-20 mg treated animal and in three animals treated with Oxy 133-2 mg. This is in contrast to prior studies with Oxy34 and 49 in which no fusion was observed at the 4 week time point (15). By six weeks, all animals had fused bilaterally in the Oxyl33-20 mg group. At eight weeks, fusion was again noted in all animals in the BMP2 and Oxy 133-20 mg groups and in 4/8 of the Oxy 133-2 mg group (Figure 5). No fusion mass was observed in the DMSO or Oxy 133-0.2 mg (data not shown) groups in the final eight week radiographs (Figure 5).

Manual Assessment and Gross Evaluation of Bone Formation

After sacrifice, the spines were explanted from each animal and subjected to manual assessment as we have previously described (15,25-27). Gross evaluation and manual assessment results were similar to radiographic findings at 8 weeks. No unilateral or bilateral fusion was observed in the DMSO or Oxy 133-0.2 mg groups. Some bone formation was noted in two animals in the Oxy 133-0.2 mg group. Bilateral fusion was observed in all animals in the BMP2 group and 6/7 animals in the Oxyl33-20 mg group. The remaining animal in the Oxy 133-20 mg group had motion unilaterally despite significant bilateral fusion mass. Half (4/8) of the animals in the Oxy 133-2 mg group had bilateral fusion confirmed on manual palpation while two additional animals had unilateral fusion and two animals had no evidence of fusion. Micro-Computed Tomography and Histological Assessment

Assessment of bridging trabecular bone with micro-CT analysis confirmed results observed with radiographs, gross observation, and manual palpation (Figure 6). Although some bone formation was seen in two animals in the Oxy 133-0.2 mg group, no bilateral fusions were observed in this group or the DMSO group. Bilateral bridging trabecular bone was seen in all animals in the BMP2 group and the Oxyl33-20 mg group. Bilateral fusion was also observed in 4/8 animals in the Oxy 133-2 mg group with unilateral fusion in two additional animals. The results of the microstructural analysis from the micro-CT images are shown in Table 2. The total volume of the BMP2 fusion masses was significantly greater than both the Oxy 133-2 mg and 20-mg samples. However, the mean BV/TV ratio of the Oxyl33-2 mg and 20-mg fusion masses was significantly greater than the BMP2 group, indicating denser bone within the masses. Trabecular thickness did not significantly differ between BMP2 and either Oxyl33-2 mg or Oxyl33-20 mg. Trabecular separation was significantly larger in the BMP2 fusion masses compared to Oxy 133-2 mg and Oxy 133-20 mg, also indicating less density of bone in the BMP2 fusion masses.

Histologic analysis was then performed in two representative animals in the DMSO group, BMP2 group, Oxy 133-20 mg group, and Oxy 133-2 mg group. Histological assessment demonstrated the formation of trabecular bone within the fusion mass and continuous cortical bone connecting the transverse processes of the fully fused lumbar vertebrae in rats treated with BMP2, or with the 2 or 20 mg dose of Oxyl33 (Figure 7A). Bone formation was not present in specimens from control rats. The size of the fusion mass was increased in rats treated with BMP2 compared to 20 mg or 2mg of Oxyl33. However, visual inspection of the histological specimens indicated that BMP2 also induced robust formation of adipocytes within the fusion mass, which was significantly less in groups treated with Oxy 133 (Figure 7B). In addition, visual inspection suggested that trabecular bone formation was more robust in the Oxyl33-20 mg group compared with BMP2 group.

Example IV - Studies showing Oxyl49 activities compared to Oxyl33 activities

Oxyl49 was tested as described above for Oxyl33, and was found to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of cells in vitro. The data are shown in Figures 8-10, and some details of the experiments are summarized in the Description of the Drawings.

Additional experiments will also be performed with Oxy 149, in vitro and in vivo, as described herein for Oxyl33. It is expected that Oxyl49 will display desirable potency and biological effects, e.g. when administered to a cell, tissue or organ of interest. Example V - Oxyl49 effects following systemic administrator!

Oxy 149 is tested, using conventional procedures, for its beneficial properties following systemic administration to animal models. Oxyl49 is examined for its ability to prevent or reverse osteoporosis in animal models of osteoporosis. Such animal models include, but are not limited to, ovariectomized mice and rats, glucocorticoid- or other drug-induced osteoporosis in rodents, and osteoporosis that results with aging in rodents and non-human primates. In these studies, Oxyl49 is administered systemically through subcu, i.v., i.p., or oral administration, or through administration of a vaporized preparation of Oxyl49 through nasal passages. Improvements upon treatment with Oxyl49 vs. a placebo or an anti-resorptive drug will be assessed by measuring factors in the blood that change with induction of bone formation {e.g. alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin), reduction of bone resorption (e.g. C- and N- telopeptides of collagen I), and by measuring bone density, bone mineral content, and other bone parameters using radiographs of CT imaging that determine improvements in bone microarchitecture. It is expected that because of the Oxyl49's bone targeting properties, it will selectively accumulate in bone and, e.g., stimulate mesenchymal stem cells to undergo osteogenic differentiation and make new bone. Oxyl49 is effective for healing fractures and preventing and/or treating osteoporosis due to its stimulation of bone formation when administered systemically to a subject From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usage and conditions and to utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limiting of the scope of the invention in any way whatsoever. The entire disclosure of all applications, patents, and publications cited above, including U.S. Provisional application 61/643,746, filed May 7, 2012, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, particularly with regard to the disclosure for which they are cited in the application. Also incorporated by reference in their entirely are other applications concerning oxysterols from the present inventor's laboratory, including Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international applications published as WO/2008/115469, WO/2008/082520, WO/2007/098281, WO/2007/028101, WO/2006/110490, WO/2005/020928, WO/2004/019884, and a PCT application filed on the same day as the present application, having attorney docket number 58086-342052, and based on US provisional application 61/643,746, which was filed May 7, 2012.

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