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Asacol (mesalamine)
Asacol (mesalamine) is a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent Small molecule drug developed by University of Washington. It is currently FDA-approved for Ulcerative colitis (induction and maintenance of remission), Crohn's disease (adjunctive therapy). Also known as: Mesalamine.
Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent that acts locally in the colon to reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production.
Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent that acts locally in the colon to reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production. Used for Ulcerative colitis (induction and maintenance of remission), Crohn's disease (adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Asacol (mesalamine) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mesalamine |
| Sponsor | University of Washington |
| Drug class | 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent |
| Target | Prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis inhibition; free radical scavenging |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) works primarily through local anti-inflammatory effects in the gastrointestinal tract. It inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and may also act as a free radical scavenger. The drug is delivered in formulations designed to release the active compound in the colon where it exerts its therapeutic effect on inflamed tissue.
Approved indications
- Ulcerative colitis (induction and maintenance of remission)
- Crohn's disease (adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Nephrotoxicity (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Chronotherapy of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid in Ulcerative Colitis (NA)
- Activation of Autophagy and Suppression of Apoptosis by Dapagliflozin Attenuates Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Possible Efficacy and Safety of Mebendazole in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Treated With Mesalamine (NA)
- Efficacy of Acupuncture-Mesalazine Combination Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis. (NA)
- Desloratadine in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE2)
- Determination of the Optimal Treatment Target in Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE4)
- Pentoxifylline in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE2)
- Confirmatory Clinical Study in Active Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Asacol (mesalamine) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Asacol (mesalamine) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Washington portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Asacol (mesalamine)
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Is Asacol (mesalamine) also known as anything else?
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What does Asacol (mesalamine) target?
Related
- Drug class: All 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis inhibition; free radical scavenging
- Manufacturer: University of Washington — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Gastroenterology / Immunology
- Indication: Drugs for Ulcerative colitis (induction and maintenance of remission)
- Indication: Drugs for Crohn's disease (adjunctive therapy)
- Also known as: Mesalamine
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing