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Dexamethasone given orally
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis), Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, Adrenocortical insufficiency.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dexamethasone given orally |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Hoffmann-La Roche |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Oncology (supportive care), Endocrinology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Dexamethasone enters cells and binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene transcription. This leads to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced immune cell activation and proliferation, and suppression of inflammatory responses. It is approximately 25–30 times more potent than the natural glucocorticoid cortisol.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis)
- Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Severe allergic reactions
- Certain hematologic malignancies (as adjunctive therapy)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cushingoid features (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Investigate Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- Arthrosemid vs. Steroid for the Management Knee Osteoarthritis (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of High Dose Prednisolone Pharmacokinetics in the Acute and Chronic Setting
- A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab With or Without Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK- 2870) in Adult Participants With Resectable Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Not Achieving Pathological Complete Response (pCR) (MK-2870-019) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate Investigational Agents With or Without Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Participants With Advanced Esophageal Cancer Previously Exposed to Programmed Cell Death 1 Protein (PD-1)/ Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Treatment (MK-3475-06B) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study of Teclistamab in Combination With Daratumumab Subcutaneously (SC) (Tec-Dara) Versus Daratumumab SC, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone (DPd) or Daratumumab SC, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (DVd) in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (PHASE3)
- A Study to Investigate LP-118, Ponatinib, Vincristine and Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LBL) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study of JNJ-68284528, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in Participants With Multiple Myeloma (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:
- Dexamethasone given orally CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dexamethasone given orally updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hoffmann-La Roche portfolio CI