methylprednisolone + prednisone (Astellas Pharma)

Methylprednisolone and prednisone are synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroids used primarily for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. In the context of solid organ transplantation, such as kidney transplants, they are often used as part of a multi-drug immunosuppressive regimen (e.g., with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil) to prevent acute and chronic graft rejection. They function by binding to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, which then translocates to the nucleus to modulate gene expression, leading to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the suppression of T-cell activation and proliferation. In clinical protocols like the OSAKA trial, methylprednisolone is typically administered intravenously in the immediate post-operative period, followed by a transition to oral prednisone for long-term maintenance immunosuppression.

Brand names

MedrolDeltasoneSolu-MedrolRayosDepo-Medrol

Other names

methylprednisolone / prednisonesteroidscorticosteroidsglucocorticoids