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Inhibitors of purine and pyrimidine synthesis: mycophenolate, azathioprine, and leflunomide
Author(s) -
Mimouni Daniel,
Nousari H. Carlos
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01539.x
Subject(s) - medicine , leflunomide , azathioprine , purine analogue , mycophenolate , purine , mycophenolic acid , pharmacology , pyrimidine metabolism , drug , disease , transplantation , immunology , methotrexate , enzyme , biochemistry , chemistry
The major goal in the treatment of autoimmune blistering diseases has changed from simply keeping the patient alive to suppressing disease while maintaining quality of life and minimizing drug side effects. Researchers and clinicians are constantly seeking steroid‐sparing agents that would allow a dose reduction in corticosteroids with no loss of benefit. Purine and pyrimidine base inhibitors are commonly used for this purpose. These drugs act by inhibiting cell division and inducing cell death. The pharmacologic and clinical aspects of azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and leflunomide are discussed in this review.