Routes of
administration Oral CAS Number 863-61-6 Molar mass 444.648 g/mol | ATC code none PubChem CID 5282367 | |
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AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names Synonyms 3-methyl-2-[(2Z,6E,10E)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraenyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione | ||
Menatetrenone (INN), also known as MK-4, is a vitamin K compound used as a hemostatic agent, and also as adjunctive therapy for the pain of osteoporosis. Menatetrenone is one of the nine forms of vitamin K2.
MK-4 is produced via conversion of vitamin K1 in the body, in the testes, pancreas and arterial walls. While major questions still surround the biochemical pathway for the transformation of vitamin K1 to MK-4, studies demonstrate the conversion is not dependent on gut bacteria, occurring in germ-free rats and in parenterally-administered K1 in rats. In fact, tissues that accumulate high amounts of MK-4 have a remarkable capacity to convert up to 90% of the available K1 into MK-4.
MK-4 is marketed for the osteoporosis indication in Japan by Eisai Co., under the trade name Glakay.