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Dexamethasone (or equivalent)
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, lupus, vasculitis), Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, Adrenocortical insufficiency.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dexamethasone (or equivalent) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| 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, lupus, vasculitis)
- Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Severe allergic reactions
- Certain hematologic malignancies (as adjunctive therapy)
- Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Mood changes (euphoria, anxiety, depression)
- Hypertension
- Immunosuppression / increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Acne
- Fluid retention / edema
Key clinical trials
- A Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) as Monotherapy and in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Participants With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (MK-2870-011/TroFuse-011) (PHASE3)
- A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) in People With Breast Cancer (MK-2870-032) (PHASE3)
- Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Versus Pemetrexed and Carboplatin Combination Therapy in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR)-Mutated, Advanced Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Who Have Progressed on Prior EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (MK-2870-009) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Maintenance Treatment Versus Standard of Care in Participants With Platinum-sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (MK-2870-022/TroFuse-022/ENGOT-ov84/GOG-3103) (PHASE3)
- 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 Clinical Trial of Sac-TMT in People With Non-HRD Positive Advanced Ovarian Cancer (MK-2870-021) (PHASE3)
- Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) in Combination With Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Alone in Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) With Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥ 50% (MK-2870-007) (PHASE3)
- Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Plus Pembrolizumab Versus TPC in TNBC Who Did Not Achieve pCR (MK-2870-012) (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 |