What is "menatetrenone"

n. (context organic compound English) An alternative name for menaquinone.

Menatetrenone ( INN), also known as MK4, 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 K.

MK4 is produced via conversion of vitamin K in the body, in the testes, pancreas and arterial walls. While major questions still surround the biochemical pathway for the transformation of vitamin K to MK4, studies demonstrate the conversion is not dependent on gut bacteria, occurring in germ-free rats and in parenterally-administered K in rats. In fact, tissues that accumulate high amounts of MK4 have a remarkable capacity to convert up to 90% of the available K into MK4.

MK4 is marketed for the osteoporosis indication in Japan by Eisai Co., under the trade name Glakay.