This invention discloses 2-methylene-18,19-dinor-vitamin D analogs, and
specifically
2-methylene-18,19-dinor-1.alpha.-hydroxy-homopregnacalciferol and
pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits pronounced activity
in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing
their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an
anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as
psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry
skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also has little, if
any, calcemic activity and therefore may be used to treat autoimmune
disorders or inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal
osteodystrophy. This compound may also be used for the treatment or
prevention of obesity.