Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Ridaura (AURANOFIN)

Ridaura (Auranofin) is a small molecule drug developed by Prometheus Labs and currently owned by Legacy Pharma. It targets the D(3) dopamine receptor and was FDA-approved in 1985 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Ridaura is an off-patent medication with no active Orange Book patents, meaning it is available as a generic. However, there are currently no generic manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its long half-life of 80 days.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Rheumatoid arthritis

Boxed warnings

• RIDAURA ® (auranofin) contains gold and, like other gold-containing drugs, can cause gold toxicity, signs of which include: fall in hemoglobin, leukopenia below 4,000 WBC/cu mm, granulocytes below 1,500/cu mm, decrease in platelets below 150,000/cu mm, proteinuria, hematuria, pruritus, rash, stomatitis or persistent diarrhea. Therefore, the results of recommended laboratory work (See PRECAUTIONS ) should be reviewed before writing each RIDAURA prescription. Like other gold preparations, RIDAURA is only indicated for use in selected patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Physicians planning to use RIDAURA should be experienced with chrysotherapy and should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the toxicity and benefits of RIDAURA. In addition, the following precautions should be routinely employed: The possibility of adverse reactions should be explained to patients before starting therapy. Patients should be advised to report promptly any symptoms suggesting toxicity. (See PRECAUTIONS—Information for Patients .)

Common side effects

• Proteinuria
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Stomatitis
• Anemia
• Leukopenia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Elevated liver function tests
• Pulmonary
• Generalized exfoliative dermatitis

Key clinical trials

• Sirolimus and Auranofin in Treating Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Multi Interventional Approaches to Mitigate HIV Reservoirs Aiming the Sustained HIV Remission Without Antiretrovirals (PHASE2)
• Auranofin and Sirolimus in Treating Participants With Ovarian Cancer (PHASE2)
• Auranofin for Giardia Protozoa (PHASE2)
• A Proof-of-concept Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety of the Coordinated Undermining of Survival Paths by 9 Repurposed Drugs Combined With Metronomic Temozolomide (CUSP9v3 Treatment Protocol) for Recurrent Glioblastoma (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Multi Interventional Study Exploring HIV-1 Residual Replication: a Step Towards HIV-1 Eradication and Sterilizing Cure (NA)
• Auranofin in Treating Patients With Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Auranofin in Decreasing Pain in Patients With Paclitaxel-Induced Pain Syndrome (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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