Abstract: A method and composition for an improved treatment of human renal osteodystrophy, comprising the administration of 6-40 mcg/d (micrograms per day) of 24,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 in combination with amounts of 1-alpha(OH)D.sub. 3 or 1,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 or DHT.sub.2, which will maintain in the serum of patients the calcium concentration at 10-11 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) and the phosphate concentration at 5.5-6.0 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) and the numerical multiplication product of calcium x phosphate not more than 60-65.

Abstract: There is provided a novel process for the production of the epipodophyllotoxin glycosides, Etoposide and Teniposide. There are further provided certain novel 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin derivatives of the following formula ##STR1## where W is hydrogen or 2,3-di-O-acetyl-4,6,O-ethylidene-D-glucopyran-1-yl. These intermediates are easily transformed into Etoposide and Teniposide and into further derivatives of this series.

Abstract: Novel esters of the general formula ##STR1## in which ##STR2## is the acyl residue of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound containing a carboxylic acid function. The novel esters are prepared by reacting an acide R--COOH when R is as above, with 1-haloethyl ethyl carbonate. There are also provided pharmaceutical compositions containing any of the said novel esters.

Abstract: 4(5)-Hydroxymethyl-5(4)-methylimidazole (MHI) is prepared by a process comprising the steps of:(a) reacting 4-methylimidazole (MI) with from 1.05 to 1.1 moles of formaldehyde or an equivalent amount of paraformaldehyde per mole of MI, in a concentrated aqueous NaCl solution in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a strong inorganic base, at a temperature from about 20.degree. to about 60.degree. C.;(b) neutralizing the reaction mixture with concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid to a pH of 8.5-8.9 to obtain a precipitate of MHI free base; and(c) separating the precipitate thus obtained from the aqueous solution and washing it with cold water or acetone.The MHI free base thus obtained can further be converted to an acid addition salt thereof.

Abstract: 1'-Ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl ester of di-n-propylacetic acid, also known as valproic acid. The novel compound is prepared by reacting valproic acid with 1-haloethyl ethyl carbonate. There are also provided pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration containing the said ester.