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Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 acts as a cofactor for gamma-carboxylation of bone and vascular proteins, enabling their biological activity in bone mineralization and cardiovascular health.
Vitamin K2 acts as a cofactor for gamma-carboxylation of bone and vascular proteins, enabling their biological activity in bone mineralization and cardiovascular health. Used for Osteoporosis and bone health maintenance, Vascular calcification prevention.
At a glance
| Generic name | Vitamin K2 |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Group 1, menaquinone |
| Sponsor | Ain Shams University |
| Drug class | Vitamin K analog |
| Target | Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Bone health, Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is an essential cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which catalyzes the post-translational carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in bone proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) and vascular proteins. This carboxylation is required for these proteins to bind calcium and exert their physiological effects on bone metabolism and vascular calcification prevention.
Approved indications
- Osteoporosis and bone health maintenance
- Vascular calcification prevention
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Key clinical trials
- Ischemic Stroke Nutrition Intervention Study (NA)
- The InterVitaminK Trial - Effects of Vitamin K Supplementation on Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Bone Health (NA)
- The Skin Anti-Aging Effects of Vitamin K2 (MK-7): a Clinical Split-Face/Neck Trial (NA)
- The Role of Vitamin K on Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Vitamin k, D-chiro Inositol and α-lactalbumin in Bone Homeostasis
- Vitamin K2 Supplementation in Adult Episodic Migraine (NA)
- The Role of Vitamin K2 in Preventing Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Loss in Children With Nephrotic Syndrome (NA)
- Evaluating Response to Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplementation in Healthcare Personnel (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Vitamin K2 CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Vitamin K2 updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ain Shams University portfolio CI