Mycophenolate Sodium Treatment in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome

Summary

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. In addition, various extraglandular manifestations may develop. Several immunomodulating agents have been attempted in the treatment of pSS without achieving satisfactory results. Currently, there is no approved systemic treatment for pSS. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a selective inhibitor of inosine-monophosphate-dehydrogenase which leads to inhibition of the de novo pathway of nucleotide synthesis. The antiproliferative effect of MPA mainly affects activated T- and B-lymphocytes because the proliferation of these cells is critically dependent on the de novo purine synthesis compared to other eukaryotic cells. Since these lymphocytes have been suggested to play a pivotal role in the inflammation and immunopathogenesis of pSS, mycophenolate-sodium might be a promising agent in the treatment of pSS. We perform a single-centre, open-label pilot trial with Mycophenolate sodium in pSS.

Timeline

Start

2005-04

Primary completion

—

Completion

2007-09

Publications

• Background Mavragani CP, Moutsopoulos NM, Moutsopoulos HM. The management of Sjogren's syndrome. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2006 May;2(5):252-61. doi: 10.1038/ncprheum0165.
• Background Gaubitz M, Schorat A, Schotte H, Kern P, Domschke W. Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: an open pilot trial. Lupus. 1999;8(9):731-6. doi: 10.1191/096120399678840927.
• Background Vitali C, Bombardieri S, Jonsson R, Moutsopoulos HM, Alexander EL, Carsons SE, Daniels TE, Fox PC, Fox RI, Kassan SS, Pillemer SR, Talal N, Weisman MH; European Study Group on Classification Criteria for Sjogren's Syndrome. Classification criteria for Sjogren's syndrome: a revised version of the European criteria proposed by the American-European Consensus Group. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002 Jun;61(6):554-8. doi: 10.1136/ard.61.6.554.
• Background Willeke P, Domschke W, Gaubitz M: Mycophenolate Mofetil for the treatment of primary Sjogren's Syndrome: A case report. Ann Rheum Dis, 62 (Suppl. 1):352,2003

Drugs

Indications