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methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone
These corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
These corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Polymyalgia rheumatica.
At a glance
| Generic name | methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone are systemic corticosteroids that enter cells and bind to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, translocating to the nucleus to modulate gene expression. They inhibit phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, and suppress T-cell activation and cytokine production. These effects broadly dampen immune and inflammatory responses across multiple organ systems.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Giant cell arteritis
- Asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
- Adrenal insufficiency
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Osteoporosis
- Infections (opportunistic)
- Insomnia
- Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
- Gastric ulceration
- Cataracts
- Cushingoid features
- Muscle weakness
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 |
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