Lexacalcitol is over 100 times more active than 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25-(OH)2D3], as judged by in vitro antiproliferative and cell differentiating assays.

KH1060 was not an effective competitor of C24 oxidation of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. KH 1060 inhibited PBMC proliferation and decreased TNF-alpha levels in IBD patients and this effect was synergistic with anti-TNF-alpha. KH1060 metabolism could be blocked by the cytochrome P450 inhibitor, ketoconazole. Certain hydroxylated metabolites of KH1060 retained significant biological activity in vitamin D-dependent reporter gene systems. VDR protein levels were significantly increased by PBMC treatment with KH 1060 or anti-TNF-alpha or their combination in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and decreased in Crohn's disease (CD) patients, treating the cells with KH 1060. A synergistic inhibition was registered combining KH 1060 and anti-TNF, at well-defined concentrations. 0.1 nM KH 1060 produced a significant decrease in TNF-alpha levels, determined by ELISA, although less remarkable than in the presence of anti-TNF.