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D-Penicillamine
D-Penicillamine is a chelating agent that binds to heavy metals and promotes their urinary excretion, while also modulating immune function through reduction of disulfide bonds.
D-Penicillamine is a chelating agent that binds to heavy metals and promotes their urinary excretion, while also modulating immune function through reduction of disulfide bonds. Used for Wilson's disease (copper accumulation), Rheumatoid arthritis, Cystinuria.
At a glance
| Generic name | D-Penicillamine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Orphalan |
| Drug class | Heavy metal chelator / immunosuppressant |
| Target | Heavy metals (copper, mercury, lead); disulfide bonds in proteins |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Rheumatology / Toxicology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
D-Penicillamine acts as a heavy metal chelator by forming stable complexes with copper, mercury, lead, and other metals, facilitating their elimination through the kidneys. Additionally, it reduces disulfide bonds in proteins and can suppress immune responses, making it useful in autoimmune conditions. The drug's immunomodulatory effects are thought to involve alteration of T-cell function and reduction of circulating immune complexes.
Approved indications
- Wilson's disease (copper accumulation)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cystinuria
- Heavy metal poisoning (mercury, lead)
Common side effects
- Proteinuria
- Rash
- Bone marrow suppression
- Pemphigus-like syndrome
- Taste disturbance
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Trientine Tetrahydrochloride Administered Once a Day for the First Line Treatment of Wilson's Disease Patients. (PHASE3)
- Off Treatment Urinary Copper Excretion in Wilson Disease, Pilot Study
- Wilson's Disease Treated With D-Penicillamine: Characterization of Skin Damage Secondary to Treatment by Measuring Skin Elasticity (NA)
- Real World Evidence Study in Subjects With Wilson's Disease
- International Wilson's Disease Patient Registry (iWilson Registry)
- Trientine Tetrahydrochloride (TETA 4HCL) for the Treatment of Wilson's Disease (PHASE3)
- Study of ALXN1840 Versus Standard of Care in Pediatric Participants With Wilson Disease (PHASE3)
- A Study to Assess Safety and Efficacy of ASP015K in Participants With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Who Had an Inadequate Response or Intolerance to Methotrexate (MTX) (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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- D-Penicillamine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- D-Penicillamine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Orphalan portfolio CI