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Prednisone (or equivalent)
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations, Lymphomas and leukemias (as part of combination chemotherapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Prednisone (or equivalent) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Oncology (supportive care), Endocrinology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Prednisone acts as a glucocorticoid receptor agonist, entering cells and binding to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors that translocate to the nucleus to modulate gene expression. This leads to decreased production of inflammatory mediators (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), reduced immune cell activation and proliferation, and suppression of both cellular and humoral immune responses. The drug is widely used for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects across multiple therapeutic areas.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
- Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations
- Lymphomas and leukemias (as part of combination chemotherapy)
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Mood changes (anxiety, irritability)
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Infections (immunosuppression)
- 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)
- Treatment Strategies for IgG4-RD Patients With Superficial Organ Involvement (NA)
- Virotherapy and Natural History Study of KHSV-Associated Multricentric Castleman s Disease With Correlates of Disease Activity (PHASE2)
- Ruxolitinib, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (uhCG/EGF), and Dose De-escalated Corticosteroids (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study of Nipocalimab in Participants With Active Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (PHASE2)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Biologics (Belimumab/ Telitacicept) Induction Therapy in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis Patients for 6 Months Compared With Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Obinutuzumab in Adolescents With Active Class III or IV Lupus Nephritis and the Safety and PK of Obinutuzumab in Pediatric Participants (PHASE2)
- Vitamin C With Steroids for Gastrointestinal GVHD (EARLY_PHASE1)
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 |