Vitamin D Levels Following Topical Application of Vitamin D Ointment

The proposed study investigates safety and efficacy of a new topical vitamin D3 compound. The purpose of this Phase 1 trial is to determine whether topical application makes Vitamin D bioavailable to the systemic circulation in sufficient quantities to treat hypovitaminosis D. The study will assess the change in serum 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D concentrations following 3 doses of 100,000 IU or 3 doses of 300,000 IU of topical vitamin D3 ointment in volunteers with vitamin D deficiency. Adults with serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations of < 20 ng/ml will receive a total of 300,000 IU or 900,000 IU in divided doses of topical vitamin D once per week for three weeks. Two 0.75 ml applicators of ointment will be applied to each upper arm (50,000 IU or 150,000 IU per arm) by study staff. Blood will be drawn at baseline prior to the first dose (Day 0) and on Days 7, 14, and 21. Total serum 25-OH vitamin D will be assayed at each draw. Parathyroid hormone, a measure of clinical effects of low vitamin D levels, will be checked at baseline and on day 21. Serum albumin adjusted calcium levels will be checked with each draw to check for possible effects of too much vitamin D absorption. The study will determine whether the topical application of Vitamin D ointment is able to correct existing vitamin D deficiency.

Inclusion criteria

• Known vitamin D deficiency based on blood work obtained prior to study consent defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than or equal to 20 ng/mL within 30 days prior to study entry.
• Adult, age 18 to 85 years, male or female
• If on oral vitamin D therapy, have been on a stable dose for the previous 90 days.

Exclusion criteria

• History of chronic liver disease with elevated liver function tests, chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or greater, eGFR <60 mL/min), uncontrolled thyroid disease (elevated thyroid function tests), primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia, or multiple endocrine neoplasia.
• Hypercalcemia defined as either elevated corrected serum calcium >10.2 mg/dL) measured within 3 months prior to study.
• estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min within 3 months prior to study.
• Active cancers
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Individuals who are unable to give informed consent
• Individuals with psoriasis, active eczema or other skin disease, or who are currently receiving treatments or medications for skin disease.
• Individuals who do not agree to refrain from using tanning beds for the duration of the study.
• Individuals who do not agree to avoid submerging the ointment site in water for 8 hours after ointment application.