Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Use of mycophenolate mofetil for systemic sclerosis and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease:
Takashi Funatogawa1, Yusuke Narita1, Aya Tamura1
1Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
Objectives:
Limited information is available on patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) or SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in Japan. The dose, treatment duration, and patient characteristics of SSc and SSc-ILD patients receiving MMF were investigated.
Methods:
We used data from a Japanese hospital claims database (2008-2020).
Results:
Data on 486 SSc patients ≥18 years old receiving MMF were captured; 314 had SSc complicated with ILD. The most common initial daily doses were 1000 mg (SSc, 39.5%; SSc-ILD, 38.1%) and 500 mg (SSc, 36.6%; SSc-ILD, 34.6%). The most common maximum daily doses were 1000 mg (SSc, 33.3%; SSc-ILD, 34.9%), 1500 mg (SSc, 24.4%; SSc-ILD, 23.1%), and 2000 mg (SSc, 23.8%; SSc-ILD, 24.4%). Doses ranged from 250 to 3000 mg/day and were similar for SSc and SSc-ILD patients. Over 27% of patients received treatment for >1 year. There was a gradual decrease in steroid doses during MMF treatment.
Conclusions:
Our study suggests that the off-label use of MMF for SSc and SSc-ILD has been increasing annually since 2015 in Japan. The doses used in patients with SSc and SSc-ILD were similar to the approved doses of MMF for lupus nephritis in Japan.
Insights
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use for systemic sclerosis (SSc) and SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) in Japan is increasing. Doses used were similar to those approved for lupus nephritis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) are chronic autoimmune conditions with limited treatment options.
- Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug with potential therapeutic benefits in SSc and SSc-ILD.
- Information on MMF usage patterns in Japan for these conditions is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the real-world usage of MMF in patients with SSc and SSc-ILD in Japan.
- To analyze MMF dosage, treatment duration, and patient characteristics.
- To assess trends in MMF utilization for SSc and SSc-ILD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a Japanese hospital claims database from 2008 to 2020.
- Inclusion of patients aged 18 years and older diagnosed with SSc or SSc-ILD receiving MMF.
- Data extraction on MMF dosage, treatment duration, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- Data from 486 SSc patients (314 with SSc-ILD) treated with MMF were analyzed.
- Common initial daily MMF doses were 1000 mg and 500 mg; maximum doses ranged from 1000 mg to 2000 mg.
- Over 27% of patients received MMF for more than one year, with a concurrent decrease in steroid doses.
Conclusions:
- Off-label MMF use for SSc and SSc-ILD has shown a year-on-year increase in Japan since 2015.
- The MMF doses administered were comparable to those approved for lupus nephritis in Japan.
- These findings support the growing role of MMF in managing SSc and SSc-ILD in the Japanese population.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: