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sulphasalazine (SSZ)
Sulphasalazine is a prodrug that is cleaved by colonic bacteria into 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine, with the 5-ASA component exerting local anti-inflammatory effects in the colon.
Sulphasalazine is a prodrug that is cleaved by colonic bacteria into 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine, with the 5-ASA component exerting local anti-inflammatory effects in the colon. Used for Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Rheumatoid arthritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | sulphasalazine (SSZ) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Wyeth is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer |
| Drug class | 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent |
| Target | Prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis inhibition; NF-κB pathway modulation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) moiety acts as a topical anti-inflammatory agent in the intestinal mucosa, inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis and reducing neutrophil infiltration. The sulfapyridine component may also contribute to immunomodulatory effects. The drug is designed to deliver the active 5-ASA directly to the colon where it exerts its therapeutic benefit.
Approved indications
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Agranulocytosis (rare)
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
Key clinical trials
- IL-7 and IL-7R Expression in RA Patients With Active vs. Inactive Disease Treated With DMARD or CIMZIA (PHASE4)
- Treatments Against RA and Effect on FDG-PET/CT (PHASE4)
- Active Conventional Therapy Compared to Three Different Biologic Treatments in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis With Subsequent Dose Reduction (PHASE4)
- Dose Reduction for Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Low Disease Activity (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Therapy in Patients With RA Failing Methotrexate Monotherapy (PHASE3)
- Combination Therapy Prevents the Relapse of RA (NA)
- Sequential Application of Yisaipu® and DMARDs in Treating Mild-to-Moderate AS (PHASE4)
- Open-Label Study Comparing Etanercept to Conventional Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) Therapy (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:
- sulphasalazine (SSZ) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- sulphasalazine (SSZ) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Wyeth is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer portfolio CI