26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: a highly potent, long-lasting analog of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

A new fluoro analog of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, i.e., 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, has been compared with the native hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, in its biological potency, duration of action, and binding to the vitamin D transport protein and intestinal receptor protein. The fluoro analog is about 5 times more active than the native hormone in healing rickets and elevating serum inorganic phosphorus levels of rachitic rats. It is about 10 times more active than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in increasing intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization of vitamin D-deficient rats fed a low-calcium diet. Furthermore, the higher biopotency is manifested in animals after oral dosing. Of great importance is that the action of the fluoro analog is longer lasting than that of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This is especially apparent in the elevation of serum phosphorus and bone mineralization responses. The fluoro analog is only slightly less competent than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in binding to the vitamin D transport protein in rat blood, and is one-third as competent as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in binding to the chick intestinal cytosol receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. These results suggest that the basis for increased potency of this analog is likely the result of less rapid metabolism.