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Dapsone (Disulone®)
Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase and has immunomodulatory properties including suppression of neutrophil function and complement activation.
Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase and has immunomodulatory properties including suppression of neutrophil function and complement activation. Used for Leprosy (Hansen's disease), Dermatitis herpetiformis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis and treatment.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dapsone (Disulone®) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | experimental arm |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris |
| Drug class | Sulfone antibiotic with immunomodulatory properties |
| Target | Dihydrofolate reductase; neutrophil function and complement pathway |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology, Infectious Disease, Immunology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Dapsone works primarily as a competitive inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase in bacteria, disrupting folate metabolism and DNA synthesis. Additionally, it possesses immunosuppressive effects through inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis and reduction of complement-mediated inflammation, making it useful in both infectious and inflammatory dermatological conditions.
Approved indications
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease)
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis and treatment
- Acne vulgaris
- Bullous pemphigoid
Common side effects
- Hemolytic anemia
- Methemoglobinemia
- Nausea and gastrointestinal disturbance
- Rash and photosensitivity
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- Study Comparing Test to Aczone 7.5% and Both to a Placebo Control in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (PHASE3)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Dapsone in Acne Vulgaris (PHASE1)
- Efficacy and Safety of DAPSone as a Second-line Option in Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia (PHASE3)
- Study to Determine and Compare the Tolerance and Irritation Potential of Topical Acne Medications (PHASE4)
- Trial of Dapsone 5.0% Gel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (PHASE3)
- Steroid-Free Versus Steroid-Based Immunosuppression in Pediatric Renal (Kidney) Transplantation (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study of Dapsone Gel in Females With Skin of Color and Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of 4 Artemisinin-based Combinations for Treating Uncomplicated Malaria in African Children (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:
- Dapsone (Disulone®) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dapsone (Disulone®) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris portfolio CI