Abstract: Novel cyclic ether vitamin D3 compounds having a cyclic ether side chain are disclosed. These compounds were first identified as metabolites of 3-epi vitamin D3 produced via a tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the formation of a cyclic ether structure. Also disclosed are 1?(OH) 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds, which are produced via the epimerization of a 3-?-hydroxyl group of 1?(OH) vitamin D3 precursor in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.

Abstract: Novel 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds having the orientation of the substituent attached to the carbon at position 3 of the A-ring of vitamin D3 inverted from a beta (&bgr;) to an alpha (&agr;) configuration are described. These 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds were first identified as metabolites produced via a novel tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the 3-&bgr;-hydroxy epimerization of vitamin D3 compounds. Isolated 3-epimer forms of vitamin D3 compounds have been characterized and shown to have improved biological properties compared to their isomeric counterparts, such as reduced hypercalcemic activity and enhanced stability in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.

Abstract: Analogs of vitamin D3, in particular esters of vitamin D3 and uses thereof, are described. The compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.

Abstract: Novel 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds having the orientation of the substituent attached to the carbon at position 3 of the A-ring of vitamin D3 inverted from a beta (&bgr;) to an alpha (&agr;) configuration are described. These 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds were first identified as metabolites produced via a novel tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the 3-&bgr;-hydroxy epimerization of vitamin D3 compounds. Isolated 3-epimer forms of vitamin D3 compounds have been characterized and shown to have improved biological properties compared to their isomeric counterparts, such as reduced hypercalcemic activity and enhanced stability in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.