Open AccessFrentizole Therapy of Active Systemic lupus Erythematosus
Author(s) -
Kay Donald R.,
Valentine Thomas V.,
Walker Sara E.,
Valentine Merilee H.,
Bole Giles G.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780231209
Subject(s) - medicine , prednisone , serology , drug , gastroenterology , lupus erythematosus , toxicity , systemic disease , lymphocyte , immunology , disease , pharmacology , antibody
Frentizole is a benzimidazoleurea that has immunosuppressive properties in mice. Eleven steroid‐treated patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus received frentizole (150‐350 mg/day) in combination with stable or decreasing doses of prednisone in an open label trial. Nine patients completed at least one 21‐to 75‐day course of therapy with this drug. Clinical parameters of disease improved in 8 of these 9 patients. Mean DNA binding decreased by 28%, mean CH50 increased by 20%, and mean absolute lymphocyte and T cell counts decreased by 25‐26%. Granulocytopenia was not observed. Three patients developed reversible hepatic toxicity. Clinical and serologic improvement was noted in 3 patients who accepted a second 90‐day course of frentizole therapy.