26,27-Homologated-20-EPI-2-alkyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds

This invention provides a novel class of vitamin D related compounds, namely, the 2-alkyl-19-nor-vitamin D derivatives, as well as a general method for their chemical synthesis. The compounds have the formula:where Y1 and Y2, which may be the same or different, are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydroxy-protecting group, R6 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and fluoroalkyl, and where the group R represents any of the typical side chains known for vitamin D type compounds. These 2-substituted compounds, especially the 2α-methyl and the 2α-methyl-20S derivatives, are characterized by relatively high intestinal calcium transport activity and relatively high bone calcium mobilization activity resulting in novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desired, particularly low bone turnover osteoporosis. These compounds also exhibit pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as anti-cancer agents and for the treatment of diseases such as psoriasis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This patent invention relates to vitamin D compounds, and more particularly to vitamin D derivatives substituted at the carbon 2 position.

The natural hormone, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3and its analog in ergosterol series, i.e. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2are known to be highly potent regulators of calcium homeostasis in animals and humans, and more recently their activity in cellular differentiation has 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 1α-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D2, 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-resistant rickets, osteoporosis, psoriasis, and certain malignancies.

Recently, a new class of vitamin D analogs has been discovered, i.e. the so called 19-nor-vitamin D compounds, which are characterized by the replacement of the A-ring exocyclic methylene group (carbon 19), typical of the vitamin D system, by two hydrogen atoms. Biological testing of such 19-nor-analogs (e.g., 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D3) revealed a selective activity profile with high potency in inducing cellular differentiation, and very low calcium mobilizing activity. Thus, 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 19-nor-vitamin D analogs have been described (Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 31, 1823 (1990); Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1991), and DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191).

Recently, 2-substituted analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D3have also been synthesized, i.e. compounds substituted at 2-position with hydroxy or alkoxy groups (DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,713), 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.

In a continuing effort to explore the 19-nor class of pharmacologically important vitamin D compounds, their analogs which are characterized by the presence of an alkyl (particularly methyl) substituent at the carbon 2 (C-2), i.e. 2-alkyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds, and particularly 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds, have now been synthesized and tested. Such vitamin D analogs seemed interesting targets because the relatively small alkyl (particularly methyl) group at C-2 should not interfere with binding to the vitamin D receptor. On the other hand it is obvious that a change of conformation of the cyclohexanediol ring A can be expected for these new analogs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A class of 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds not known heretofore are the 19-nor-vitamin D analogs having an alkyl (particularly methyl) group at the 2-position, i.e. 2-alkyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds, particularly 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds.

Structurally these novel analogs are characterized by the general formula I shown below:

where Y1and Y2, which may be the same or different, are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydroxy-protecting group, R6is selected from the group consisting of al, hydroxyalkyl and fluoroalkyl, and where the group R represents any of the typical side chains known for vitamin D type compounds.

More specifically R can represent a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 35 carbons, that may be straight-chain, branched or cyclic and that may contain one or more additional substituents, such as hydroxy- or protected-hydroxy groups, fluoro, carbonyl, ester, epoxy, amino or other heteroatomic groups. Preferred side chains of this type are represented by the structure below

where the stereochemical center (corresponding to C-20 in steroid numbering) may have the R or S configuration, (i.e. either the natural configuration about carbon 20 or the 20-epi configuration), and where Z is selected from Y, —OY, —CH2OY, —C≡CY, —CH═CHY, and —CH2CH2CH═CR3R4, where the double bond may have the cis or trans geometry, and where Y is selected from hydrogen, methyl, —COR5and a radical of the structure:

where m and n, independently, represent the integers from 0 to 5, where R1is selected from hydrogen, deuterium, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, and C1-5-alkyl, which may be straight chain or branched and, optionally, bear a hydroxy or protected-hydroxy substituent, and where each of R2, R3, and R4, independently, is selected from deuterium, deuteroalkyl, hydrogen, fluoro, trifluoromethyl and C1-5alkyl, which may be straight-chain or branched, and optionally, bear a hydroxy or protected-hydroxy substituent, and where R1and R2, taken together, represent an oxo group, or an alkylidene group, ═CR2R3, or the group —(CH2)p—, where p is an integer from 2 to 5, and where R3and R4, taken together, represent an oxo group, or the group —(CH2)q—, where q is an integer from 2 to 5, and where R5represents hydrogen, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, C1-5alkyl or —OR7where R7represents C1-5alkyl, and wherein any of the CH-groups at positions 20, 22, or 23 in the side chain may be replaced by a nitrogen atom, or where any of the groups —CH(CH3)—, —CH(R3)—, or —CH(R2)— at positions 20, 22, and 23, respectively, may be replaced by an oxygen or sulfur atom.

The wavy lines to the substituents at C-2 and at C-20 indicate that the carbon 2 and carbon 20 may have either the R or S configuration. Specific important examples of side chains with natural 20R-configuration are the structures represented by formulas (a), b), (c), (d) and (e) below. i.e. the side chain as it occurs in 25-hydroxyvitamin D3(a); vitamin D3(b); 25-hydroxyvitamin D2(c); vitamin D2(d); and the C-24 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2(e):

Specific important examples of side chains with the unnatural 20S (also referred to as the 20-epi) configuration are the structures presented by formulas (f) and (g) below:

The above novel compounds exhibit a desired, and highly advantageous, pattern of biological activity. These compounds are characterized by relatively high intestinal calcium transport activity, as compared to that of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, while also exhibiting relatively high activity, as compared to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, in their ability to mobilize calcium from bone. Hence, these compounds are highly specific in their calcemic activity. Their preferential activity on mobilizing calcium from bone and either high or normal intestinal calcium transport activity allows the in vivo administration of these compounds for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases where bone loss is a major concern. Because of their preferential calcemic activity on bone, these compounds would be preferred therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desired, such as osteoporosis, especially low bone turnover osteoporosis, steroid induced osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis or postmenopausal osteoporosis, as well as osteomalacia and renal osteodystrophy. The treatment may be transdermal, oral or parenteral. The compounds may be present in a composition in an amount from about 0.1 μg/gm to about 50 μg/gm of the composition, and may be administered in dosages of from about 0.01 μg/day to about 50 μg/day.

The compounds of the invention are also 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, diabetes mellitus, host versus graft reaction, and rejection of transplants; and additionally for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, as well as the improvement of bone fracture healing and improved bone grafts. Acne, alopecia, skin conditions such as dry skin (lack of dermal hydration), undue skin slackness (insufficient skin firmness), insufficient sebum secretion and wrinkles, and hypertension are other conditions which may be treated with the compounds of the inventibn.

The above compounds are also characterized by high cell differentiation activity. Thus, these compounds also provide therapeutic agents for the treatment of psoriasis, or as an anti-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. The compounds may be present in a composition to treat psoriasis in an amount from about 0.01 μg/gm to about 100 μg/gm of the composition, and may be administered topically, transdermally, orally or parenterally in dosages of from about 0.01 μg/day to about 100 μg/day.

This invention also provides novel intermediate compounds formed during the synthesis of the end products.

This invention also provides a novel synthesis for the production of the end products of structure I

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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, acyl, alkylsilyl or alkylarylsilyl groups (hereinafter referred to simply as “silyl” groups), and alkoxyalkyl groups. Alkoxycarbonyl protecting groups are alkyl-O—CO— groupings such as methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, 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 1 to 6 carbons, such as an oxalyl, malonyl, succinyl, glutaryl group, or an aromatic acyl group such as benzoyl, or a halo, nitro or alkyl substituted benzoyl group. The word “alkyl” 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. Alkoxyalkyl protecting groups are groupings such as methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, or tetrahydrofuranyl and tetrahydropyranyl. Preferred silyl-protecting groups are trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, dibutylmethylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, phenyldimethylsilyl, diphenyl-t-butylsilyl and analogous alkylated silyl radicals. The term “aryl” specifies a phenyl-, or an alkyl-, nitro- or halo-substituted phenyl group.

A “protected hydroxy” group is a hydroxy group derivatised or protected by any of the above groups commonly used for the temporary or permanent protection of hydroxy functions, e.g. the silyl, alkoxyalkyl, acyl or alkoxycarbonyl groups, as previously defined. The terms “hydroxyalkyl”, “deuteroalkyl” and “fluoroalkyl” refer to an alkyl radical substituted by one or more hydroxy, deuterium or fluoro groups respectively.

It should be noted in this description that the term “24-homo” refers to the addition of one methylene group and the term “24-dihomo” refers to the addition of two methylene groups at the carbon 24 position in the side chain. Likewise, the term “trihomo” refers to the addition of three methylene groups. Also, the term “26,27-dimethyl” refers to the addition of a methyl group at the carbon 26 and 27 positions so that for example R3and R4are ethyl groups. Likewise, the term “26,27-diethyl” refers to the addition of an ethyl group at the 26 and 27 positions so that R3and R4are propyl groups.

In the following lists of compounds, the particular substituent attached at the carbon 2 position should be added to the nomenclature. For example, if a methyl group is the alkyl substituent, the term “2-methyl” should precede each of the named compounds. If an ethyl group is the alkyl substituent, the term “2-ethyl” should precede each of the named compounds, and so on. In addition, if the methyl group attached at the carbon 20 position is in its epi or unnatural configuration, the term “20(S)” or “20-epi” should be included in each of the following named compounds. Also, if the side chain contains an oxygen atom substituted at any of positions 20,22 or 23, the term “20-oxa”, “22-oxa” or “23-oxa”, respectively, should be added to the named compound. The named compounds could also be of the vitamin D2type if desired.

Specific and preferred examples of the 2-alkyl-compounds of structure I when the side chain is unsaturated are:

With respect to the above unsaturated compounds, it should be noted that the double bond located between the 22 and 23 carbon atoms in the side chain may be in either the (E) or (Z) configuration. Accordingly, depending upon the configuration, the term “22,23(E)” or “22,23(Z)” should be included in each of the above named compounds. Also, it is common to designate the double bond located between the 22 and 23 carbon atoms with the designation “Δ22”. Thus, for example, the first named compound above could also be written as 19-nor-24-homo-22,23(E)-Δ22-1,25-(OH)2D3where the double bond is in the (E) configuration. Similarly, if the methyl group attached at carbon 20 is in the unnatural configuration, this compound could be written as 19-nor-20(S)-24-homo-22,23(E)-Δ22-1,25-(OH)2D3.

Specific and preferred examples of the 2-alkyl-compounds of structure I when the side chain is saturated are:

As noted previously, the above saturated side chain compounds should have the appropriate 2-alkyl substituent and/or carbon 20 configuration added to the nomenclature. For example, particularly preferred compounds are:

19-nor-26,27-dimethyl-20(S)-2α-methyl-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; which can also be written as 19-nor-26,27-dihomo-20(S)-2α-methyl-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3;

19-nor-26,27-dimethyl-20(S)-2β-methyl-1α,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3; which can also be written as 19-nor-26,27-dihomo-20(S)-2β-methyl-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3;

The preparation of 1α-hydroxy-2-alkyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds, particularly 1α-hydroxy-2-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D compounds, having the basic structure I can be accomplished by a common general method, i.e. the condensation of a bicyclic Windaus-Grundmann type ketone II with the allylic phosphine oxide III to the corresponding 2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D analogs IV followed by a selective reduction of the exomethylene group at C-2 in the latter compounds:

For the preparation of the required phosphine oxides of general structure III, a new synthetic route has been developed starting from methyl quinicate derivative 1, easily obtained from commercial (1R,3R,4S,5R)-(−)-quinic acid as described by Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1991) and DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191. The overall process of transformation of the starting methyl ester 1 into the desired A-ring synthons, is summarized by the SCHEME I. Thus, the secondary 4-hydroxyl group of 1 was oxidized with RuO4(a catalytic method with RuCl3and NaIO4as co-oxidant). Use of such a strong oxidant was necessary for an effective oxidation process of this very hindered hydroxyl. However, other more commonly used oxidants can also be applied (e.g. pyridinium dichromate), although the reactions usually require much longer time for completion. Second step of the synthesis comprises the Wittig reaction of the sterically hindered 4-keto compound 2 with ylide prepared from methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and n-butyllithium. Other bases can be also used for the generation of the reactive methylenephosphorane, like t-BuOK, NaNH2, NaH, K/HMPT, NaN(TMS)2, etc. For the preparation of the 4-methylene compound 3 some described modifications of the Wittig process can be used, e.g. reaction of 2 with activated methylenetriphenyl-phosphorane [Corey et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 26, 555 (1985)]. Alternatively, other methods widely used for methylenation of unreactive ketones can be applied, e.g. Wittig-Homer reaction with the PO-ylid obtained from methyldiphenylphosphine oxide upon deprotonation with n-butyllithium [Schosse et al., Chimia 30, 197 (1976)], or reaction of ketone with sodium methylsulfinate [Corey et al., J. Org. Chem. 28, 1128 (1963)] and potassium methylsulfinate [Greene et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 3755 (1976)]. Reduction of the ester 3 with lithium aluminum hydride or other suitable reducing agent (e.g. DIBALH) provided the diol 4 which was subsequently oxidized by sodium periodate to the cyclohexanone derivative 5. The next step of the process comprises the Peterson reaction of the ketone 5 with methyl(trimethylsilyl)acetate. The resulting allylic ester 6 was treated with diisobutylaluminum hydride and-the formed allylic alcohol 7 was in turn transformed to the desired A-ring phosphine oxide 8. Conversion of 7 to 8 involved 3 steps, namely, in situ tosylation with n-butyllithium and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, followed by reaction with diphenylphosphine lithium salt and oxidation with hydrogen peroxide.

Several 2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D compounds of the general structure IV may be synthesized using the A-ring synthon 8 and the appropriate Windaus-Grundmann ketone II having the desired side chain structure. Thus, for example, Wittig-Horner coupling of the lithium phosphinoxy carbanion generated from 8 and n-butyllithium with the protected 25-hydroxy Grundmann's ketone 9 prepared according to published procedure [Sicinski et al., J. Med. Chem. 37, 3730 (1994)] gave the expected protected vitamin compound 10. This, after deprotection with AG 50W-X4 cation exchange resin afforded 1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D3(11).

The final step of the process was the selective homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of the exomethylene unit at carbon 2 in the vitamin 11 performed efficiently in the presence of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride [Wilkinson's catalyst, (Ph3P)3RhCl]. Such reduction conditions allowed to reduce only C(2)=CH2unit leaving C(5)–C(8) butadiene moiety unaffected. The isolated material is an epimeric mixture (ca. 1:1) of 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamins 12 and 13 differing in configuration at C-2. The mixture can be used without separation or, if desired, the individual 2α- and 2β-isomers can be separated by an efficient HPLC system.

A similar chemoselectivity was also observed in hydroboration reactions to synthesize 2-hydroxymethyl derivatives 20 and 21 (see Scheme III). For this purpose, 9-borabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane (9-BBN) was used as a reagent and reaction conditions analogous as those used by Okamura for hydroboration of simple vitamin D compounds. See J. Org. Chem. 1978, 43, 1653–1656 and J. Org. Chem. 1977, 42, 2284–2291. Since this literature precedent concerned hydroboration of 1-desoxy compounds, namely, (5E)- and (5Z)-isomers of vitamin D2and D3, the process was first tested using 1α,25-(OH)2D3as a model compound. The formed organoborane intermediate was subsequently oxidized with basic hydrogen peroxide. Such hydroboration-oxidation conditions allowed the exclusive hydroxylation of the C(2)=CH2unit in the vitamin 11, leaving the intercyclic C(5)=C(6)–C(7)=C(8) diene moiety unaffected. The isolated epimeric mixture of 2-hydroxymethyl derivatives 20 and 21 (ca. 1:2, 35% yield) was purified and separated by straight- and reversed-phase HPLC.

The C-20 epimerization was accomplished by the analogous coupling of the phosphine oxide 8 with protected 20(S)-25-hydroxy Grundmann's ketone 15 (SCHEME II) and provided 19-nor-vitamin 16 which after hydrolysis of the hydroxy-protecting groups gave 20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D3(17). Hydrogenation of 17 using Wilkinson's catalyst provided the expected mixture of the 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D analogs 18 and 19. Subsequent hydroboration with 9-BBN yielded 20(S)-2-hydroxymethyl derivatives 22 and 23 (see Scheme III).

As noted above, other 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D analogs may be synthesized by the method disclosed herein. For example, 1α-hydroxy-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D3can be obtained by providing the Grundmann's ketone (g); subsequent reduction of the A-ring exomethylene group in the formed compound can give the corresponding epimeric mixture of 1α-hydroxy-2-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D3compounds.

This invention is described by the following illustrative examples. In these examples specific products identified by Arabic numerals (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc) refer to the specific structures so identified in the preceding description and in the SCHEME I and SCHEME II.

Preparation of 1α,25-dihydroxy-2α- and 1α,25-dihydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D3(12 and 13)

(a) Oxidation of 4-hydroxy group in methyl quinicate derivative 1.

(b) Wittig Reaction of the 4-ketone 2.

(c) Reduction of Ester Group in the 4-methylene Compound 3.

(d) Cleavage of the Vicinal Diol 4.

(e) Preparation of the Allylic Ester 6.

(f) Reduction of the Allylic Ester 6.

(g) Conversion of the Allylic Alcohol 7 into Phosphine Oxide 8.

1α,25-Dihydroxy-2α- and 1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D3(12 and 13). Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride (2.3 mg, 2.5 μmol) was added to dry benzene (2.5 mL) presaturated with hydrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until a homogeneous solution was formed (ca. 45 min). A solution of vitamin 11 (1.0 mg, 2.4 μmol) in dry benzene (0.5 mL) was then added and the reaction was allowed to proceed under a continuous stream of hydrogen for 3 h. Benzene was removed under vacuum, and hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, 2 mL) was added to the residue. The mixture was applied on a silica Sep-Pak and both 2-methyl vitamins were eluted with the same solvent system (20 mL). Further purification was achieved by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) as a solvent system. The mixture (ca. 1:1) of 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamins (2α- and 2β-epimers 12 and 13; 0.80 mg, 80%) gave a single peak at Rv33 mL.

SCHEME II illustrates the preparation of protected 20(S)-25-hydroxy Grundmann's ketone 15, its coupling with phosphine oxide 8 (obtained as described in Example 1) and selective hydrogenation of exomethylene group in 2-methylene compound 17

20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D3(17). To a solution of phosphine oxide 8 (15.8 mg, 27.1 μmol) in anhydrous THF (200 μL) at 0° C. was slowly added n-BuLi (2.5 M in hexanes, 11 μL, 27.5 μmol) under argon with stirring. The solution turned deep orange. The mixture was cooled to −78° C. and a precooled (−78° C.) solution of protected hydroxy ketone 15 (8.0 mg, 20.3 μmol) in anhydrous THF (100 μL) was slowly added. The mixture was stirred under argon at −78° C. for 1 h and at 0° C. for 18 h. Ethyl acetate was added, and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in hexane and applied on a silica Sep-Pak cartridge, and washed with hexane/ethyl acetate (99.5:0.5, 20 mL) to give 19-nor-vitamin derivative 16 (7 mg, 45%) as a colorless oil. The Sep-Pak was then washed with hexane/ethyl acetate (96:4, 10 mL) to recover some unchanged C,D-ring ketone 15 (4 mg), and with ethyl acetate (10 mL) to recover diphenylphosphine oxide (9 mg). For analytical purpose a sample of protected vitamin 16 was further purified by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/ethyl acetate (99.9:0.1) solvent system.

20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2α- and 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D3(18 and 19). Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride (2.3 mg, 2.5 μmol) was added to dry benzene (2.5 mL) presaturated with hydrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until a homogeneous solution was formed (ca. 45 min). A solution of vitamin 17 (1.0 mg, 2.4 μmol) in dry benzene (0.5 mL) was then added and the reaction was allowed to proceed under a continuous stream of hydrogen for 3 h. Benzene was removed under vacuum, and hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, 2 mL) was added to the residue. The mixture was applied on a silica Sep-Pak and both 2-methyl vitamins were eluted with the same solvent system (20 mL). Further purification was achieved by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) as a solvent system. The mixture (ca. 1:1) of 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamins (2α- and 2β-epimers 18 and 19; 0.43 mg, 43%) gave a single peak at Rv31 mL.

1α,25-Dihydroxy-2α- and 1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-(hydroxymethyl)-19-norvitamin D3(20 and 21). 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (0.5 M in THF, 60 μL, 30 μmol) was added to a solution of vitamin 11 (1.25 mg, 3 μmol) in anhydrous THF (50 μL) at room temperature (evolution of hydrogen was observed). After 3 h of stirring, the mixture was quenched with methanol (20 μL), stirred for 15 min at room temperature, cooled to 0° C., and treated successively with 6 M NaOH (10 μL, 60 μmol) and 30% H2O2(10 μL). The mixture was heated for 1 h at 55° C., cooled, benzene and brine were added, and the organic phase was separated, dried and evaporated. The crystalline residue was dissolved in ether (0.5 mL) and kept in freezer overnight. The ether solution was carefully removed from the precipitated crystals of cyclooctanediol and evaporated. Separation of the residue was achieved by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (85:15), solvent system. Traces of unreacted substrate 11 were eluted at Rv16 mL, whereas isomeric 2-hydroxymethyl vitamins 20 and 21 were collected at Rv33 mL and 40 mL, respectively. Further purification of both products by reversed-phase HPLC (10 mm×25 cm Zorbax-ODS column, 4 mL/min) using methanol/water (9:1) solvent system afforded analytically pure vitamin 20 (0.14 mg, 11%) and its 2β-isomer 21 (0.31 mg, 24%) collected at Rv26 mL and 23 mL, respectively.

20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2α- and 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-(hydroxymethyl)-19-norvitamin D3(22 and 23). The hydroboration of 20(S)-vitamin 17 and subsequent oxidation of the organoborane adduct were performed using the procedure analogous to that described above for (20R)-epimer 11. The reaction products were separated by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (87.5:12.5) solvent system, and the isomeric 2-hydroxymethyl vitamins 22 and 23 were collected at Rv40 mL and 47 mL, respectively. Further purification of both products by reversed-phase HPLC (10 mm×25 cm Zorbax-ODS column, 4 mL/min) using methanol/water (9:1) solvent system afforded analytically pure vitamin 22 (9%) and its 2β-isomer 23 (26%) collected at Rv25 mL and 22 mL, respectively.

Biological Activity of 2-Methyl-Substituted 19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2D3Compounds and their 20S-Isomers

The synthesized 2-substituted vitamins were tested for their ability to bind the porcine intestinal vitamin D receptor (SeeFIGS. 1,3and5). A comparison between the natural hormone 1α,25-(OH)2D3and 2-methyl substituted 19-norvitamins 12, 18 and 19 shows that they are about as active as 1α,25-(OH)2D3, while the 2β-methyl isomer in the 20R-series 13 is 39-fold less effective. The 2α-hydroxymethyl vitamin D analog 22 with the “unnatural” configuration at C-20 was almost equivalent to 1α,25-(OH)2D3with respect to receptor binding, and the isomeric 23 proved to be less potent (6–8×) than these compounds. The corresponding 2α-hydroxymethyl analog possessing the “natural” 20R-configuration 20 exhibited about the same binding affinity as 23, whereas the 2β-isomer 21 was ca. 8 times less effective. The foregoing results of the competitive binding analysis show that vitamins with the axial orientation of the 1α-hydroxy group exhibit a significantly enhanced affinity for the receptor.

It might be expected from these results that all of these compounds would have equivalent biological activity. Surprisingly, however, the 2-methyl substitutions produced highly selective analogs with their primary action on bone. When given for 7 days in a chronic mode, the most potent compounds tested were a mixture of the α and β isomers of 2-methyl 19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3(Table 1). When given at 130 pmol/day, the activity of this mixture of compounds on bone calcium mobilization (serum calcium) was much higher than that of the native hormone, possibly as high as 10 or 100 times higher. Under identical conditions, twice the dose of 1,25-(OH)2D3gave a serum calcium value of 7.2 mg/100 ml, while a mixture of 2-methyl-(α and β)-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3gave a value of 9.6 mg/100 ml of serum calcium at the 130 pmol dose. When given at 260 pmol/day, this mixture produced the astounding value of 12.2 mg/100 ml of serum calcium at the expense of bone. To show its selectivity, these compounds produced no significant change in intestinal calcium transport at 130 pmol dose level while having a strong bone calcium mobilizing activity. At the higher dose, the 2-methyl-20S mixture did produce an intestinal transport response but gave an enormous bone mobilization response. A mixture of the α and β isomers of 2-methyl-19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D3also had strong bone calcium mobilization at both dose levels but also showed no intestinal calcium transport activity. Thus, the 2-methyl-α and β derivatives given as a mixture showed strong preferential bone calcium mobilizing activity especially when the side chain was in the 20S-configuration. These results illustrate that the 2-methyl and the 20S-2-methyl derivatives of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D3are selective for the mobilization of calcium from bone. Table 2 illustrates the response of both intestine and serum calcium to a single large dose of the various compounds; again, supporting the conclusions derived from Table 1.

The results inFIG. 2illustrate that a mixture of the α and β derivatives of 2-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3is extremely potent in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells to the moncyte. The 2-methyl-α and β compounds had activity similar to 1,25-(OH)2D3. These results illustrate the potential of the 2-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3compounds as anti-cancer agents, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, or as agents in the treatment of psoriasis.

Competitive binding of the analogs to the porcine intestinal receptor was carried out by the method described by Dame et al (Biochemistry 25, 4523–4534, 1986).

The differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic into monocytes was determined as described by Ostrem et al (J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14164–14171, 1987).

Male weanling rats were obtained from Sprague Dawley Co. (Indianapolis, Ind.) and fed a 0.47% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus vitamin D-deficient diet for 1 week and then given the same diet containing 0.02% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus for 2 weeks. During the last week they were given the indicated dose of compound by intraperitoneal injection in 0.1 ml 95% propylene glycol and 5% ethanol each day for 7 days. The control animals received only the 0.1 ml of 95% propylene glycol, 5% ethanol. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the rats were sacrificed and intestinal calcium transport was determined by everted sac technique as previously described and serum calcium determined by atomic absorption spectrometry on a model 3110 Perkin Elmer instrument (Norwalk, Conn.). There were 5 rats per group and the values represent mean±SEM.

Male Holtzman strain weanling rats were obtained from the Sprague Dawley Co. (Indianapolis, Ind.) and fed the 0.47% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus diet described by Suda et al. (J. Nutr. 100, 1049–1052, 1970) for 1 week and then fed the same diet containing 0.02% calcium and 0.3% phosphorus for 2 additional weeks. At this point, they received a single intrajugular injection of the indicated dose dissolved in 0.1 ml of 95% propylene glycol/5% ethanol. Twenty-four hours later they were sacrificed and intestinal calcium transport and serum calcium were determined as described in Table 1. The dose of the compounds was 650 pmol and there were 5 animals per group. The data are expressed as mean±SEM.

When given for 7 days in a chronic mode, the most potent individual compound tested was 2α-methyl 19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3(Table 3). When given at 130 pmol/day, the activity of this compound on bone calcium mobilization (serum calcium) was much higher than that of the native hormone, possibly as high as 10 or 100 times higher. Under identical conditions, twice the dose of 1,25-(OH)2D3gave a serum calcium value of 6.6±0.4 mg/100 ml, while 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3gave a value of 8.3±0.7 mg/100 ml of serum calcium at the 130 pmol dose. When given at 260 pmol/day, 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3produced the astounding value of 10.3±0.11 mg/100 ml of serum calcium at the expense of bone. To show its selectivity, this compound also produced a significant change in intestinal calcium transport at both the 260 pmol and the 130 pmol dose levels while having a strong bone calcium mobilizing activity. At the higher dose, the 2α-methyl-20S compound did produce a significant intestinal transport response but also gave an enormous bone mobilization response. With respect to the 2β-methyl-19-nor-20S compound, the data in Table 3 show it has little, if any, intestinal calcium transport activity, and little, if any, bone mobilization activity. The data in Table 4 illustrate that 2α-methyl-19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D3also had relatively strong bone calcium mobilization at both dose levels and also showed some intestinal calcium transport activity. In contrast, 2β-methyl-19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D3showed little, if any, intestinal calcium transport or bone calcium mobilization activities. Thus, the 2α-methyl-19-nor derivative showed strong preferential bone calcium mobilizing activity especially when the side chain was in the 20S-configuration. These results illustrate that the 2α-methyl and the 20S-2α-methyl derivatives of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D3are selective for the mobilization of calcium from bone.

The results inFIG. 4illustrate that 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3and 2α-methyl-19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D3are extremely potent in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells to the monocyte. The 2β-methyl compounds had activity similar to 1,25-(OH)2D3. These results illustrate the potential of the 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3compound as an anti-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, or as an agent in the treatment of psoriasis.

Competitive binding of the analogs to the porcine intestinal receptor was carried out by the method described by Dame et al (Biochemistry 25, 4523–4534, 1986).

The differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic into monocytes was determined as described by Ostrem et al (J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14164–14171, 1987).

With respect to the data in Tables 3 and 4, male weanling rats were obtained from Sprague Dawley Co. (Indianapolis, Ind.) and fed a 0.47% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus vitamin D-deficient diet for 1 week and then given the same diet containing 0.02% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus for 2 weeks. During the last week they were given the indicated dose of compound by intraperitoneal injection in 0.1 ml 95% propylene glycol and 5% ethanol each day for 7 days. The control animals received only the 0.1 ml of 95% propylene glycol, 5% ethanol. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the rats were sacrificed and intestinal calcium transport was determined by everted sac technique as previously described and serum calcium determined by atormic absorption spectrometry on a model 3110 Perkin Elmer instrument (Norwalk, Conn.). There were 5 rats per group and the values represent mean±SEM.

Table 5 provides intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization data for 2-hydroxymethyl derivatives of 19-nor-1α,25-(OH)2D3. These derivatives turned out to be relatively inactive, including those in the 20S-series 22 and 23.

In the next assay, the cellular activity of the synthesized compounds was established by studying their ability to induce differentiation of human promyelocyte HL-60 cells into monocytes. It was found that all of the synthesized vitamin D analogs with the “unnatural” 20S-configuration were more potent than 1α,25-(OH)2D3. Moreover, the same relationship between cellular activity and conformation of the vitamin D compounds was established as in the case of receptor binding analysis and in vivo studies, i.e. 2α-substituted vitamin D analogs were considerably more active than their 2β-substituted counterparts with the equatorially oriented 1α-hydroxy group. Thus, 2α-methyl vitamins 12 and 18 proved to be 100 and 10 times, respectively, more active than their corresponding 2β-isomers 13 and 19 in the cultures of HL-60 in vitro, whereas in the case of 2-hydroxymethyl derivatives (20, 22 versus 21, 23) these differences were slightly smaller. Since vitamins with 2β-methyl substituent (13, 19) and both 2-hydroxymethyl analogs in 20S-series (22, 23) have selective activity profiles combining high potency in cellular differentiation, and lack of calcemic activity, such compounds are potentially useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.

These results indicate that variation of substituents on C-2 in the parent 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3can change completely (and selectively) the biological potency of the analogs. These results suggest that 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)2D3has preferential activity on bone, making it a candidate for treatment of bone disease.

Preparation of 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2α-and 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-methyl-26,27-dihomo-19-norvitamin D3(36 and 37). Reference is made to SCHEME IV

20(8)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2α- and 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-2β-methyl-26,27-dihomo-19-norvitamin D3(36 and 37). Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium (I) chloride (2.3 mg, 2.5 μmol) was added to dry benzene (2.5 mL) presaturated with hydrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until a homogeneous solution was formed (ca. 45 min). A solution of vitamin 35 (1.0 mg, 2.3 μmol) in dry benzene (0.5 mL) was then added and the reaction was allowed to proceed under a continuous stream of hydrogen for 4.5 h. A new portion of the catalyst (2.3 mg, 2.5 μmol) was added and hydrogen was passed for additional 1 h. Benzene was removed under vacuum, the residue was redissolved in hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, 2 mL) and applied on Waters silica Sep-Pak. A mixture of 2-methyl vitamins was eluted with the same solvent system (20 mL). The compounds were further purified by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) solvent system. The mixture (ca. 1:1) of 2-methyl-19-norvitamins 36 and 37 (0.37 mg, 37%) gave a single peak at Rv23 mL. Separation of both epimers was achieved by reversed-phase HPLC (6.2-mm×25-cm Zorbax-ODS column, 2 mL/min) using methanol/water (85:15) solvent system. 2β-Methyl vitamin 37 was collected at Rv21 mL and its 2α-epimer 36 at Rv27 mL.

Competitive binding of the analogs to the porcine intestinal receptor was carried out by the method described by Dame et al (Biochemistry 25, 4523–4534, 1986).

The differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic into monocytes was determined as described by Ostrem et al (J. Biol. Chem. 262 14164–14171, 1987).

TABLE 6VDR Binding Propertiesaand HL-60 Differentiating Activitiesbof 2-Substituted Analogs of 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-26,27-dihomo-19-norvitamin D3VDR BindingHL-60 DifferentiationCompd.ED50BindingED50ActivityCompoundno.(M)ratio(M)ratio1α,25-(OH)2D38.7 × 10−1014.0 × 10−912α-methyl-26,27-dihomo-363.1 × 10−93.66.0 × 10−110.0119-nor-20(S)-1α,25-(OH)2D32β-methyl-26,27-dihomo-374.8 × 10−95.51.1 × 10−100.0319-nor-20(S)-1α,25-(OH)2D3aCompetitive binding of 1α,25-(OH)2D3and the synthesized vitamin D analogs to the porcine intestinal vitamin D receptor. The experiments were carried out in triplicate on two different occasions. The ED50values are derived from dose-response curves and represent the analog concentration required for 50% displacement of the radiolabeled 1α,25-(OH)2D3from the receptor protein. Binding ratio is the ratio of the analog average ED50to the ED50for 1α,25-(OH)2D3.bInduction of differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytes to monocytes by 1α,25-(OH)2D3and the synthesized vitamin D analogs. Differentiation state was determined by measuring the percentage of cells reducing nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT). The experiment was repeated three times. The values ED50are derived from dose-response curves and represent the analog concentration capable of inducing 50% maturation. Differentiation activity radio is the ratio of the analog average ED50to the ED50for 1α,25-(OH)2D3.

Preparation of 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylene-2α-methyl-19-norvitamin D3and 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylene-2β-methyl-19-norvitamin D3(48 and 49). Reference is Made to SCHEMES V and VI

Protected vitamin 44 (7.0 mg) was dissolved in benzene (220 μL) and the resin (AG 50W-X4, 95 mg; prewashed with methanol) in methanol (1.2 mL)) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon for 21 h, diluted with ethyl acetate/ether (1:1, 4 mL) and decanted. The resin was washed with ether (10 mL) and the combined organic phases washed with brine and saturated NaHCO3, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The residue was separated by HPLC (6.2-mm×25-cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) solvent system and the following analytically pure 2-methylene-19-norvitamins were isolated: 1α-hydroxy-25-dehydrovitamin 45 (0.68 mg, 17%) was collected at Rv13 mL, 1α-hydroxy-25-methoxyvitamin 46 (0.76 mg, 19%) was collected at Rv16 mL and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin 47 (2.0 mg, 51%) was collected at Rv21 mL.

20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylene-2α- and 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy -26,27-dimethylene-2β-methyl-19-norvitamin D3(48 and 49). Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium (I) chloride (2.3 mg, 2.5 μmol) was added to dry benzene (2.5 mL) presaturated with hydrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until a homogeneous solution was formed (ca. 45 min). A solution of vitamin 47 (1.0 mg, 2.3 μmol) in dry benzene (0.5 mL) was then added and the reaction was allowed to proceed under a continuous stream of hydrogen for 3 h. A new portion of the catalyst (2.3 mg, 2.5 μmol) was added and hydrogen was passed for additional 2 h. Benzene was removed under vacuum, the residue was redissolved in hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, 2 mL) and applied on Waters silica Sep-Pak. A mixture of 2-methyl vitamins was eluted with the same solvent system (20 mL). The compounds were further purified by HPLC (6.2 mm×25 cm Zorbax-Sil column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) solvent system. The mixture (ca. 1:1) of 2-methyl-19-norvitamins 48 and 49 (0.23 mg, 23%) gave a single peak at Rv23 mL. Separation of both epimers was achieved by reversed-phase HPLC (6.2-mm×25-cm Zorbax-ODS column, 2 mL/min) using methanol/water (85:15) solvent system. 2β-Methyl vitamin 49 was collected at Rv19 mL and its 2α-epimer 48 at Rv24 mL.

Competitive binding of the analogs to the porcine intestinal receptor was carried out by the method described by Dame et al (Biochemistry 25, 4523–4534, 1986).

The differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic into monocytes was determined as described by Ostrem et al (J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14164–14171, 1987).

TABLE 8VDR Binding Propertiesaand HL-60 Differentiating Activitiesbof 2-Substituted Analogs of 20(S)-1α,25-Dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylene-19-norvitamin D3VDR BindingHL-60 DifferentiationCompd.ED50BindingED50ActivityCompoundno.(M)ratio(M)ratio1α,25-(OH)2D38.7 × 10−1014.0 × 10−912α-methyl-26,27-dimethylene-483.5 × 10−94.04.4 × 10−110.0119-nor-20(S)-1α,25-(OH)2D32β-methyl-26,27-dimethylene-492.3 × 10−92.63.2 × 10−100.0819-nor-20(S)-1α,25-(OH)2D3aCompetitive binding of 1α,25-(OH)2D3and the synthesized vitamin D analogs to the porcine intestinal vitamin D receptor. The experiments were carried out in triplicate on two different occasions. The ED50values are derived from dose-response curves and represent the analog concentration required for 50% displacement of the radiolabeled 1α,25-(OH)2D3from the receptor protein. Binding ratio is the ratio of the analog average ED50to the ED50for 1α,25-(OH)2D3.bInduction of differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytes to monocytes by 1α,25-(OH)2D3and the synthesized vitamin D analogs. Differentiation state was determined by measuring the percentage of cells reducing nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT). The experiment was repeated three times. The values ED50are derived from dose-response curves and represent the analog concentration capable of inducing 50% maturation. Differentiation activity radio is the ratio of the analog average ED50to the ED50for 1α,25-(OH)2D3.

For treatment purposes, the novel compounds of this invention defined by formula I 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 pharmaceutically-acceptable and non-toxic excipients such as stabilizers, anti-oxidants, binders, coloring agents or emulsifying or taste-modifying agents.

The compounds may be administered orally, topically, parenterally, sublingually, intranasally, or transdermally. The compounds are 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. Doses of from 0.1 μg to 50 μg per day of the compounds are appropriate for treatment purposes, such doses 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 new compounds exhibit specificity of action, each may be suitably administered alone, or together with graded doses of another active vitamin D compound—e.g. 1α-hydroxyvitamin D2or D3, or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3—in situations where different degrees of bone mineral mobilization and calcium transport stimulation is found to be advantageous.

Compositions for use in the above-mentioned treatment of psoriasis and other malignancies comprise an effective amount of one or more 2-substituted-19-nor-vitamin D compound as defined by the above formula I as the active ingredient, and a suitable carrier. An effective amount of such compounds for use in accordance with this invention is from about 0.01 μg to about 100 μg per gm of composition, and may be administered topically, transdermally, orally, sublingually, intranasally, or parenterally in dosages of from about 0.1 μg/day to about 100 μg/day.

The compounds may be formulated as creams, lotions, ointments, topical patches, pills, capsules or tablets, or in liquid form as solutions, emulsions, dispersions, or suspensions in pharmaceutically 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.

The compounds are advantageously administered in amounts sufficient to effect the differentiation of promyelocytes 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.

The formulations of the present invention comprise an active ingredient in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore and optionally 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.

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 ingredient; 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 oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion.

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.

Formulations 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.

Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid or semi-liquid preparations such as liniments, lotions, applicants, oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions such as creams, ointments or pastes; or solutions or suspensions such as drops; or as sprays.

For asthma treatment, inhalation of powder, self-propelling or spray formulations, 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 100 μ.

The formulations may 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.

In its broadest application, the present invention relates to any 19-nor-2-alkyl analogs of vitamin D which have the vitamin D nucleus. By vitamin D nucleus, it is meant a central part consisting of a substituted chain of five carbon atoms which correspond to positions 8, 14, 13, 17 and 20 of vitamin D, and at the ends of which are connected at position 20 a structural moiety representing any of the typical side chains known for vitamin D type compounds (such as R as previously defined herein), and at position 8 the 5,7-diene moiety connected to the A-ring of an active 1α-hydroxy vitamin D analog (as illustrated by formula I herein). Thus, various known modifications to the six-membered C-ring and the five-membered D-ring typically present in vitamin D, such as the lack of one or the other or both, are also embraced by the present invention.

Accordingly, compounds of the following formulae Ia, are along with those of formula I, also encompassed by the present invention:

In the above formula Ia, the definitions of Y1, Y2, R6, and Z are as previously set forth herein. With respect to X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8and X9, these substituents may be the same or different and are selected from hydrogen or lower alkyl, i.e. a C1-5alkyl such as methyl, ethyl or n-propyl. In addition, paired substituents X1and X4or X5, X2or X3and X6or X7, X4or X5and X8or X9, when taken together with the three adjacent carbon atoms of the central part of the compound, which correspond to positions 8, 14, 13 or 14, 13, 17 or 13, 17, 20 respectively, can be the same or different and form a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, carbocyclic 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 membered ring.

Preferred compounds of the present invention may be represented by one of the following formulae:

In the above formulae Ib, Ic, Id, Ie, If, Ig and Ih, the definitions of Y1, Y2, R6, R, Z, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7and X8are as previously set forth herein. The substituent Q represents a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, hydrocarbon chain comprised of 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms, but is preferably the group —(CH2)k— where k is an integer equal to 2 or 3.

Methods for making compounds of formulae Ia-Ih are known. Specifically, reference is made to International Application Number PCT/EP94/02294 filed 7 Jul. 1994 and published 19 Jan. 1995 under International Publication Number WO95/01960.