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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Pipeline to Investigate the Structures and Signaling Pathways of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptors
Published on: June 8, 2022
Recent developments in the discovery of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs)
Andrew R Hudson1, Steven L Roach, Robert I Higuchi
1Discovery Research, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, 10275 Science Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
New anti-inflammatory drugs are needed because steroidal glucocorticoids cause side effects like osteoporosis and hyperglycemia with long-term use. Developing safer alternatives for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is a key research goal.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Steroidal glucocorticoids are primary treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Chronic use of glucocorticoids leads to significant adverse effects, including osteoporosis and hyperglycemia.
- Current treatment limitations necessitate the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and develop novel anti-inflammatory agents.
- To find systemic treatments that avoid the side effects of glucocorticoids.
- To explore therapeutic options dissociated from glucocorticoid-related toxicities.
Main Methods:
- This study focuses on the need for new drug development.
- Preclinical and clinical investigations into novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- Comparative analysis of efficacy and side-effect profiles.
Main Results:
- Glucocorticoids, while effective, present significant long-term safety concerns.
- Osteoporosis and hyperglycemia are key dose-limiting side effects.
- A clear need exists for alternative anti-inflammatory therapies.
Conclusions:
- Developing novel anti-inflammatory agents is crucial for managing chronic diseases.
- Future therapies should aim to separate anti-inflammatory effects from adverse metabolic and skeletal outcomes.
- Research into glucocorticoid-sparing or glucocorticoid-alternative strategies is warranted.
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