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methylprednisolone and prednisone
Methylprednisolone and prednisone are corticosteroids that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Methylprednisolone and prednisone 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 (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations, Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | methylprednisolone and prednisone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Steroids |
| Sponsor | Astellas Pharma Inc |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Rheumatology / General inflammation |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Both drugs are systemic corticosteroids that work by entering cells and binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene expression. This leads to decreased production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) and suppression of immune cell activation and proliferation. Methylprednisolone is the active form, while prednisone is a prodrug converted to prednisolone in the liver.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
- Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
- Hematologic malignancies and lymphomas (as adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia / glucose intolerance
- Hypertension
- Osteoporosis / bone loss
- Immunosuppression / increased infection risk
- Insomnia / mood changes
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cushingoid features (with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- Short-term Steroid Therapy in Patients With P. Jirovecii Pneumonia Due to HIV / AIDS (NA)
- Nivolumab in Combination With Chemo-Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- A Clinical Study of Ifinatamab Deruxtecan (I-DXd) in People With Metastatic Prostate Cancer (MK-2400-001) (PHASE3)
- 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)
- Brentuximab Vedotin and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Children and Young Adults With Stage IIB, Stage IIIB, IVA, or IVB Hodgkin Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Donor Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE2)
- A Study to Compare Standard Therapy to Treat Hodgkin Lymphoma to the Use of Two Drugs, Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab (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:
- methylprednisolone and prednisone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- methylprednisolone and prednisone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Astellas Pharma Inc portfolio CI