leflunomide

Leflunomide is an immunosuppressive disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) primarily used to treat moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It works by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which is essential for de novo pyrimidine synthesis required for DNA and RNA production in rapidly dividing cells such as activated lymphocytes. By blocking DHODH, leflunomide reduces the proliferation of these immune cells, thereby decreasing inflammation and slowing disease progression. Its active metabolite, teriflunomide, also inhibits several tyrosine kinases involved in cell signaling pathways related to immune activation[1][5][6][8]. Leflunomide does not cure rheumatoid arthritis but helps control symptoms and improve physical function.

Brand names

Arava

Other names

leflunomideA77 1726A-77 1726A 77 1726Arava