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Mycophenolic Acid (MPA)
Mycophenolic acid inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), selectively suppressing T and B lymphocyte proliferation to prevent organ rejection.
Mycophenolic acid inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), selectively suppressing T and B lymphocyte proliferation to prevent organ rejection. Used for Prevention of acute organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac, or hepatic transplants, Treatment of active lupus nephritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Myfortic, Myfortic®, Cell-Cept® |
| Sponsor | Novartis |
| Drug class | Immunosuppressant; IMPDH inhibitor |
| Target | Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) type II |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology; Transplantation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
MPA is a non-competitive inhibitor of IMPDH type II, an enzyme critical for guanosine nucleotide synthesis in lymphocytes. By depleting guanosine nucleotides, it preferentially inhibits T and B cell proliferation while sparing other cell types, thereby reducing immune-mediated rejection of transplanted organs. This selective immunosuppression makes it effective for preventing graft rejection with a favorable side effect profile compared to older agents.
Approved indications
- Prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac, or hepatic transplants
- Prevention of acute and chronic rejection in heart transplant recipients
- Prevention of acute rejection in renal transplant recipients
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Leukopenia
- Anemia
- Infection
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Tremor
Key clinical trials
- Pilot Trial of Allogeneic Blood or Marrow Transplantation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (PHASE2)
- Belimumab and Rituximab Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (PHASE2)
- Radiation- and Alkylator-free Bone Marrow Transplantation Regimen for Patients With Dyskeratosis Congenita (PHASE2)
- Tocilizumab in Lung Transplantation (PHASE2)
- A Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Frexalimab Versus Tacrolimus in Adults Undergoing Kidney Transplantation (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- MT2025-35 Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Using Reduced Intensity Conditioning Treosulfan and Fludarabine, With Post-Transplant Cytoxan (PTCy) for the Treatment of Hematological Diseases (PHASE2)
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Lupus Nephritis (NA)
- Upfront Autologous HSCT Versus Immunosuppression in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (PHASE4)
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:
- Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Novartis portfolio CI