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Glucocorticoid treatment
Glucocorticoids suppress immune and inflammatory responses by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and modulating gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells.
Glucocorticoids suppress immune and inflammatory responses by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and modulating gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Polymyalgia rheumatica.
At a glance
| Generic name | Glucocorticoid treatment |
|---|---|
| Also known as | prednis(ol)one, methylprednisolone |
| Sponsor | Prof Dr Frank Buttgereit |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that enter cells and bind to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, translocating to the nucleus to alter transcription of inflammatory genes. They inhibit production of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), reduce immune cell activation and proliferation, and stabilize lysosomal membranes. This broad immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory action makes them effective across multiple inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Giant cell arteritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Adrenal insufficiency
Common side effects
- Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal)
- Osteoporosis and fracture risk
- Hyperglycemia and diabetes
- Hypertension
- Weight gain and central obesity
- Mood disturbances (depression, anxiety)
- Insomnia
- Gastric ulceration
- Cataracts
- Adrenal suppression
Key clinical trials
- Treatment Strategies for IgG4-RD Patients With Superficial Organ Involvement (NA)
- Pulse Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (PHASE2)
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Type 1 Diabetes
- Prednisone in Adults With an Immune-Mediated Subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Subcutaneous Anifrolumab in Adult Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (PHASE3)
- A Study of CC-97540 (BMS-986353 or Zola-cel), CD19-Targeted NEX-T CAR T Cells, in Participants With Active SLE Despite Immunosuppressants (Breakfree-SLE) (PHASE2)
- A Study in Participants With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Inadequate Response to Glucocorticoids and ≥2 Immunosuppressants
- Effect of Supplemental Hydrocortisone During Stress in Prednisolone-induced Adrenal Insufficiency (PHASE4)
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 |