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Conventional glucocorticoid therapy
Glucocorticoids suppress immune and inflammatory responses by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and modulating gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells.
Glucocorticoids suppress immune and inflammatory responses by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and modulating gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Polymyalgia rheumatica.
At a glance
| Generic name | Conventional glucocorticoid therapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hydrocortisone / Cortisone Acetate |
| Sponsor | University of Roma La Sapienza |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Conventional glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that enter cells and bind to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, translocating to the nucleus to alter transcription of inflammatory mediators. They inhibit production of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), reduce immune cell activation and proliferation, and stabilize lysosomal membranes. This broad immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effect makes them effective across multiple inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Giant cell arteritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia / diabetes
- Osteoporosis and bone loss
- Hypertension
- Immunosuppression / increased infection risk
- Cushingoid features (weight gain, moon facies)
- Mood disturbances (anxiety, depression)
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cataracts
- Adrenal suppression
Key clinical trials
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Type 1 Diabetes
- Early Adalimumab Induction for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Inflammatory Arthritis (PHASE2)
- AI-assisted Subtyping-directed Precision Treatment in Acute Aortic Dissection (NA)
- Effects of Telitacicept vs Cyclophosphamide on Lupus Related Interstitial Lung Disease (PHASE4)
- Glucocorticoids for Acute Drug Induced Liver Injury With Hyperbilirubinemia (NA)
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Once Daily Hydrocortisone Treatment (PHASE4)
- Short-term gluCOCOrticoid in Adult STEROID-sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome: The COCO-ASTEROID Study (PHASE4)
- Three Drug Combination Therapy Versus Conventional Treatment of Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (PHASE3)
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 |
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