Related Experiment Videos
Leflunomide and methotrexate.
R F Laan1, P L van Riel, L B van de Putte
1University Medical Center Nijmegen, Department of Rheumatology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. R.Laan@reuma.azn.nl
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|May 3, 2001
Summary
Leflunomide is a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis, showing similar effectiveness to methotrexate and sulfasalazine. It works by interfering with pyrimidine synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management involves disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Methotrexate (MTX) is a long-established RA treatment.
- Leflunomide (LEF) is a newer DMARD with emerging clinical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of leflunomide with methotrexate and sulfasalazine in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of leflunomide.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent large clinical trials comparing leflunomide to methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and placebo.
- Analysis of pharmacological data regarding leflunomide's mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- Leflunomide demonstrates comparable efficacy to methotrexate and sulfasalazine in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- Emerging data suggest leflunomide acts as an immunomodulatory agent.
- Its mechanism involves interference with de novo pyrimidine synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Leflunomide is an effective treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis, comparable to established therapies.
- Understanding leflunomide's immunomodulatory effects, particularly its impact on pyrimidine synthesis, is crucial for its clinical application.