Calcipotriol is a topical synthetic vitamin D2 derivative used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Calcipotriol (INN) or calcipotriene (USAN) is a sythetic derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The precise mechanism of calcipotriol in remitting psoriasis is not well-understood, however, it has been shown to have comparable affinity with calcitriol for the Vitamin D receptor while being less than 1% the activity in regulating calcium metabolism. The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the steroid/thyroid receptor superfamily, and is found on the cells of many different tissues including the thyroid, bone, kindney, and T cells of the immune system. T cells are known to play a role in psoriasis and are believed to undergo modulation of gene expression with binding of calcipotriol to the VDR. This modulation is thought to affect gene products related to cell differentiation and proliferation.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of moderate plaque psoriasis in adults.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C27H40O3 · 412.6047 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1995 · United States, 1996
- Also known as
- Calcipotriene
- Code names
- MC-903
- Brand names
Resolves to
LWQQLNNNIPYSNX-UROSTWAQSA-NSMILESO[C@H](\C=C\[C@@H](C)[C@@]1([H])CC[C@@]2([H])\C(CCC[C@]12C)=C\C=C1\C[C@@H](O)C[C@H](O)C1=C)C1CC1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Calcipotriol, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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