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Prednisone Taper
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, Adrenal insufficiency.
At a glance
| Generic name | Prednisone Taper |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Shilpa Grover, MD, MPH |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Prednisone enters cells and binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene expression. This leads to decreased production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) and suppression of immune cell activation and proliferation. A taper refers to a gradual dose reduction to allow the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to recover normal function.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
- Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Certain malignancies (lymphomas, leukemias)
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Mood changes (anxiety, irritability)
- Increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Adrenal suppression
- Gastrointestinal upset
Key clinical trials
- Treatment Strategies for IgG4-RD Patients With Superficial Organ Involvement (NA)
- Ruxolitinib, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (uhCG/EGF), and Dose De-escalated Corticosteroids (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Assessment of Biomarker-Guided CNI Substitution In Kidney Transplantation (PHASE2)
- LBL-2016 for Children or Adolescents in China (PHASE3)
- Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Disorders of T-cell Proliferation and/or Dysregulation (PHASE2)
- A Study of Nipocalimab or Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) in Pregnancies At Risk of Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) (PHASE3)
- 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)
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 Taper CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Prednisone Taper updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Shilpa Grover, MD, MPH portfolio CI