Last reviewed · How we verify
Dexamethasone / Prednisolone
Dexamethasone / Prednisolone is a Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) Small molecule drug developed by Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Acute leukemias and lymphomas (as part of combination chemotherapy), Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.
Dexamethasone and prednisolone are corticosteroids that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Dexamethasone and prednisolone are corticosteroids that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Acute leukemias and lymphomas (as part of combination chemotherapy), Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dexamethasone / Prednisolone |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Oncology (supportive care), Endocrinology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Both drugs are synthetic glucocorticoids that enter cells and bind to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene transcription. This leads to decreased production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) and suppression of immune cell activation and proliferation. Dexamethasone is longer-acting and more potent than prednisolone, making it preferred for certain acute inflammatory conditions.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
- Acute leukemias and lymphomas (as part of combination chemotherapy)
- Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
- Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations
- Severe infections (adjunctive therapy, e.g., bacterial meningitis, COVID-19)
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia / glucose intolerance
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Immunosuppression / increased infection risk
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cushingoid features (with chronic use)
- Hypokalemia
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of the Anti-cancer Drug Venetoclax and/or the Anti-cancer Immunotherapy Blinatumomab to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Infants With Newly Diagnosed KMT2A-rearranged or KMT2A-non-rearranged Leukemia (PHASE2)
- 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)
- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Donor Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of High Dose Prednisolone Pharmacokinetics in the Acute and Chronic Setting
- Dextenza Versus Topical Steroid Eye Drops for Postoperative Management Following Corneal Crosslinking (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of MORAb-202 (Herein Referred to as Farletuzumab Ecteribulin), a Folate Receptor Alpha (FRα)-Targeting Antibody-drug Conjugate (ADC) in Participants With Selected Tumor Types (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Biologics (Belimumab/ Telitacicept) Induction Therapy in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis Patients for 6 Months Compared With Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment (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 / Prednisolone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dexamethasone / Prednisolone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Dexamethasone / Prednisolone
What is Dexamethasone / Prednisolone?
How does Dexamethasone / Prednisolone work?
What is Dexamethasone / Prednisolone used for?
Who makes Dexamethasone / Prednisolone?
What drug class is Dexamethasone / Prednisolone in?
What development phase is Dexamethasone / Prednisolone in?
What are the side effects of Dexamethasone / Prednisolone?
What does Dexamethasone / Prednisolone target?
Related
- Drug class: All Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
- Manufacturer: Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Immunology, Rheumatology, Oncology (supportive care), Endocrinology
- Indication: Drugs for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
- Indication: Drugs for Acute leukemias and lymphomas (as part of combination chemotherapy)
- Indication: Drugs for Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing