Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Mycophenolate mofetil, low dose steroid

Mycophenolate mofetil selectively inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) in T and B lymphocytes, suppressing their proliferation, while low-dose corticosteroids provide additional anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Mycophenolate mofetil selectively inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) in T and B lymphocytes, suppressing their proliferation, while low-dose corticosteroids provide additional anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Used for Autoimmune diseases (likely lupus nephritis, vasculitis, or other systemic autoimmune conditions based on Phase 3 status).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a prodrug that is converted to mycophenolic acid, which preferentially inhibits IMPDH type II, an enzyme critical for guanosine nucleotide synthesis in lymphocytes. This leads to selective depletion of T and B cell populations. The addition of low-dose corticosteroids enhances immunosuppression through glucocorticoid receptor-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and further lymphocyte suppression.

Approved indications

• Autoimmune diseases (likely lupus nephritis, vasculitis, or other systemic autoimmune conditions based on Phase 3 status)

Common side effects

• Gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain)
• Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal)
• Leukopenia
• Anemia
• Headache
• Hypertension (steroid-related)
• Hyperglycemia (steroid-related)

Key clinical trials

• Simplified IMmunosuppressive Protocol Utilizing Low Dose EnvarsusXR (PHASE4)
• Mycophenolate Mofetil in Patients With Progressive Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (PHASE3)
• A Study of Ruxolitinib vs Best Available Therapy (BAT) in Patients With Steroid-refractory Chronic Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD) After Bone Marrow Transplantation (REACH3) (PHASE3)
• A Pilot Study Comparing the Use of Low-target Versus Conventional Target Advagraf (NA)
• Decidua Stroma Cells for Steroid Resistent Acute Graft-versus-host Disease After Allo-HSCT (PHASE2)
• Optimum Immunosuppression in Renal Transplant Recipients.New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation (PHASE4)
• Treatment Strategies for IgG4-RD Patients With Internal Organ Involvement (NA)
• Treatment of Early Borderline Lesions in Low Immunological Risk Kidney Transplant Patients (TRAINING) (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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