6.7.6. Phytic Acid (IP6)

Phytic acid (*myo*-inositol hexakisphosphate; IP6) is a phosphate ester of inositol. Its anti-calcification properties have been known for some time [209,210]. IP6 has poor bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, which has prompted the development of a series of derivatives [211]. These were tested in *Abcc6*−/<sup>−</sup> mice [149]. Compound INS-3001 was found to be superior in calcification inhibition both in vitro and in vivo and displayed a better plasma half-life as compared with IP6 [211]. INS-3001 was administered to *Abcc6*−/<sup>−</sup> mice before and after the onset of mineralization at various dosages via two methods, either microosmostic pumps for continuous delivery or sub-cutaneous bolus injections. With the highest dosages of 4 to 20 mg/kg/day, calcification inhibition in vibrissae was effective, though calcification reversal was not attained in the longest duration of the treatment (12 weeks). Although phytic acid (IP6) is a safe compound found in food such as plant seed and had the FDA designation Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), INS-3001 is a new product with good potential but it remains to be fully evaluated for clinical use.
