The molecule is a hydroxy seco-steroid and synthetic vitamin D2 analogue that undergoes metabolic activation in vivo to form 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D2), a naturally occurring, biologically active form of vitamin D2. It is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the body produces excess parathyroid hormone (PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood) in certain people with chronic kidney disease. It has a role as a provitamin, a bone density conservation agent and a prohormone. It is a vitamin D and a hydroxy seco-steroid.
(1R,3S,5Z)-5-[(2E)-2-[(1R,3aS,7aR)-1-[(E,2R,5R)-5,6-dimethylhept-3-en-2-yl]-7a-methyl-2,3,3a,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-inden-4-ylidene]ethylidene]-4-methylidenecyclohexane-1,3-diol