Calcifediol (25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol) is a biologically active vitamin D3 metabolite. It is concluded that the liver is the major if not the only physiologic site of hydroxylation of vitamin D3 into calcifediol. Calcifediol is a prohormone of the active form of vitamin D3, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3). Calcifediol is converted to calcitriol by cytochrome P450 27B1 (CYP27B1), also called 1-alpha hydroxylase, primarily in the kidney. Calcitriol binds to the vitamin D receptor in target tissues and activates vitamin D responsive pathways that result in increased intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus and reduced parathyroid hormone synthesis. RAYALDEE (calcifediol) extended-release capsules is indicated for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease.