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Methylprednisolone (MP)
Methylprednisolone (MP) is a Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) Small molecule drug developed by Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. It is currently FDA-approved for Acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis exacerbations), Lymphoma and leukemia (as adjunctive therapy in chemotherapy regimens), Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and treatment. Also known as: MP.
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 Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and treatment in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis), Lymphomas and leukemias (as part of combination chemotherapy regimens).
At a glance
| Generic name | Methylprednisolone (MP) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MP |
| Sponsor | Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Oncology (supportive care), Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Methylprednisolone acts as a potent immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent by activating intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene expression. This leads to decreased production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) and reduced immune cell activation and proliferation. It is commonly used in high-dose regimens for acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, as well as in lower maintenance doses for chronic disease management.
Approved indications
- Acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis exacerbations)
- Lymphoma and leukemia (as adjunctive therapy in chemotherapy regimens)
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and treatment
- Cerebral edema associated with malignancy or trauma
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatologic disorders
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Immunosuppression and increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cushingoid features (with prolonged use)
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)
- A Study Testing the Combination of Dasatinib or Imatinib to Chemotherapy Treatment With Blinatumomab for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) or ABL-Class Philadelphia Chromosome-Like (Ph-Like) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) (PHASE3)
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin and Post-Induction Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With High-Risk B-ALL, Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia, and B-LLy (PHASE3)
- Venetoclax, SL-401, and Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (PHASE2)
- Imatinib Mesylate and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- Alpha/Beta TCD HCT in Patients With Inherited BMF Disorders (PHASE2)
- Comparing Methylprednisolone And Hyaluronic Acid To Reduce Wisdom Tooth Surgery Complications (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 (MP) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Methylprednisolone (MP) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Methylprednisolone (MP)
What is Methylprednisolone (MP)?
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Related
- Drug class: All Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
- Manufacturer: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Immunology, Oncology (supportive care), Rheumatology
- Indication: Drugs for Acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis exacerbations)
- Indication: Drugs for Lymphoma and leukemia (as adjunctive therapy in chemotherapy regimens)
- Indication: Drugs for Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and treatment
- Also known as: MP
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing