US Patent 9701712 Therapeutic agents for reducing parathyroid hormone levels

Compounds having activity for lowering parathyroid hormone levels are described. In one embodiment, the compounds are comprised of a contiguous sequence of subunits, X1—X2—X3—X4—X5—X6—X7, wherein the X1 subunit comprises a thiol-containing moiety and the distribution of charge on the X2-X7 subunits provides the desired activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating hyperparathyroidism, bone disease and/or hypercalcemic disorders are also described, and in particular, methods for lowering plasma PTH and serum calcium are provided. The compounds can be used to treat subjects having, for example: primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism; hypercalcemia of malignancy; metastatic bone disease; or osteoporosis.