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Methylprednisolone (drug)
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis), Allergic reactions and angioedema, Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.
At a glance
| Generic name | Methylprednisolone (drug) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Bordeaux |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Oncology (supportive care) |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Methylprednisolone acts as a corticosteroid that penetrates cells and binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, translocating to the nucleus to modulate gene transcription. This results in decreased production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) and suppression of immune cell activation and proliferation. It is commonly used for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects across multiple therapeutic areas.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis)
- Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral edema
- Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations
- Hematologic malignancies (as adjunctive therapy)
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- 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)
- Loteprednol Etabonate Versus Prednisolone Acetate for Anterior Chamber Granulomas (PHASE4)
- Pulse Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (PHASE2)
- Brentuximab Vedotin and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Children and Young Adults With Stage IIB, Stage IIIB, IVA, or IVB Hodgkin Lymphoma (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 (drug) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Methylprednisolone (drug) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Hospital, Bordeaux portfolio CI