Last reviewed · How we verify
Prednisone/Prednisolone
Prednisone/prednisolone is a corticosteroid that binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, translocates to the nucleus, and suppresses inflammatory gene expression and immune cell activation.
Prednisone/prednisolone is a corticosteroid that binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, translocates to the nucleus, and suppresses inflammatory gene expression and immune cell activation. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory conditions, Adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease), Allergic reactions and angioedema.
At a glance
| Generic name | Prednisone/Prednisolone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Rayos, Deltasone, Prednisone Intensol, Deltasone/Omnipred, Prednisone |
| Sponsor | Organon and Co |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Oncology (supportive), Respiratory, Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These synthetic glucocorticoids mimic the action of cortisol and exert broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing immune cell proliferation and migration, and stabilizing lysosomal membranes. They are used across multiple therapeutic areas due to their potent ability to dampen both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory conditions
- Adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease)
- Allergic reactions and angioedema
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations
- Systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
- Lymphomas and leukemias (as adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia / glucose intolerance
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Increased infection risk
- Cushingoid features (moon facies, weight gain)
- Gastrointestinal upset / peptic ulcer
- Hypokalemia
- Cataracts (with chronic use)
- Adrenal suppression
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Prednisone/Prednisolone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Prednisone/Prednisolone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Organon and Co portfolio CI