DE-098 (dexamethasone palmitate)

DE-098 is an intra-articular lipid emulsion formulation of dexamethasone palmitate, a lipophilic prodrug of the potent corticosteroid dexamethasone. Developed by Santen Pharmaceutical, DE-098 is specifically investigated for the treatment of local joint inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The lipid emulsion (nanoparticle) delivery system is designed to enhance the uptake of the drug by synovial macrophages, where it is converted into active dexamethasone. This targeted approach aims to provide prolonged anti-inflammatory activity within the joint while reducing the systemic side effects typically associated with oral or systemic corticosteroid therapy. As of recent clinical development, DE-098 has been evaluated in Phase 2 trials in Japan for its efficacy and safety in reducing RA-associated synovitis.

Brand names

Limethason

Other names

dexamethasone 21-palmitatedexamethasone21-palmitatedexamethasone-21-palmitate