[Eldecalcitol (ED-71)]

ED-71 is a new vitamin D receptor ligand, bearing a hydroxypropoxy substituent at the 2β-position of 1α, 25 (OH) (2)D(3). In ovariectomized rats, ED-71 increased vertebral bone mass and bone strength by inhibiting bone resorption and maintaining bone formation. In randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial for osteoporotic subjects, ED-71 increased lumber vertebral and hip bone mineral density independently vitamin D status. Furthermore, ED-71 may have a better osteoprotective effect than alfacalcidol and suggest that ED-71 may serve as a new generation of active vitamin D with anti-fracture efficacy in osteiporotic subjects.