Current perspectives on FTY720.
The search for effective immunosuppressants with fewer side effects continues not only for transplantation, but also for autoimmune diseases. With a novel mechanism of action (sphingosine-1 receptor modulation), oral FTY720 (fingolimod) has the potential to address this need. FTY720 has been preclinically tested with promising results in transplantation and autoimmune disease models. Phase I studies explored the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this novel therapeutic concept. Recently, the surprising results of two sister Phase III studies in de novo renal transplant patients, as well as a Phase II study in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, were published. This review discusses these findings as well as their implications for the future of sphingosine-1 receptor modulation.
Martini
Sebastian
S
Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Nephrology, Berlin, Germany. Sebastian.Martini@charite.de
Peters
Harm
H
Böhler
Torsten
T
Budde
Klemens
K
D000818:Animals; D000068876:Fingolimod Hydrochloride; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013110:Sphingosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D000068876:Fingolimod Hydrochloride; D013110:Sphingosine