Boncerin

Boncerin is a small molecule interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor developed and marketed by Meprofarm for the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly of the hip and knee joints. The active ingredient is diacerein, an anthraquinone derivative that functions as a prodrug. Upon oral administration, diacerein is completely metabolized into its active form, rhein, before reaching the systemic circulation. Rhein works by inhibiting the production and activity of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that drives cartilage degradation and joint inflammation in degenerative joint diseases. Unlike traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Boncerin does not inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and is characterized by a slow onset of action, typically requiring several weeks of continuous treatment to achieve full clinical effect.

Brand names

Boncerin

Other names

diacereindiacetylrhein