title: Innovative combination strategy to enhance effect and diminish adverse effects of glucocorticoids: another promise?
abstract: In a paper by Zimmermann and colleagues in this issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy, results of extended laboratory research with the drug combination of prednisolone and dipyridamole are reported. There seems to be a boost and extension of the glucocorticoid effect by the combination, without a clear increase of adverse effects, potentially allowing the application of lower dosages. However, laboratory models are not patients and the glucocorticoid mechanisms leading to effects and adverse effects are manifold. The next required step will be to demonstrate the improved therapeutic window in patients in adequate comparative clinical trials, assessing predefined beneficial effects and adverse effects in a standardized way.
authors.forename: Johannes W G
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Johannes W J
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bijlsma
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D004176:Dipyridamole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D004176:Dipyridamole; D011239:Prednisolone