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Prednisone/Prednisolone/Methylprednisolone
Prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone are corticosteroids that bind to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, translocate to the nucleus, and suppress inflammatory gene expression and immune cell activation.
Prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone are corticosteroids that bind to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, translocate to the nucleus, and suppress 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/Methylprednisolone |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Hoffmann-La Roche |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Oncology (supportive care) |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These synthetic glucocorticoids mimic the action of endogenous cortisol by binding intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then regulate transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and immune mediators. They reduce immune cell proliferation and function, decrease vascular permeability, and suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses. Methylprednisolone is a more potent derivative with longer duration of action compared to prednisone and prednisolone.
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
- Cerebral edema
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis
- Lymphomas and leukemias (as adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia and diabetes exacerbation
- Hypertension
- Osteoporosis and bone loss
- Immunosuppression and increased infection risk
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Cushingoid features (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset and peptic ulcer disease
- 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 |
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