<p>Calcipotriol is a non-steroidal antipsoriatic agent, derived from vitamin D. Calcipotriol exhibits a vitamin D-like effect by competing for the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor. Calcipotriol is as potent as 1,25(OH)2D3, the naturally occurring active form of vitamin D, in regulating cell proliferation and cell differentiation, but much less active than 1,25(OH)2D3 in its effect on calcium metabolism. Calcipotriol induces differentiation and suppresses proliferation (without any evidence of a cytotoxic effect) of keratinocytes, thus reversing the abnormal keratinocyte changes in psoriasis. The therapeutic goal envisaged with calcipotriol is thus a normalization of epidermal growth.</p>