morcamilast

Morcamilast (ME3183) is an orally available, potent, and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) being developed by Meiji Seika Pharma. It targets the PDE4 enzyme family, specifically the PDE4A, PDE4B, and PDE4D isoforms, to increase intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, thereby suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Morcamilast is designed to offer improved efficacy and safety compared to existing PDE4 inhibitors, demonstrating approximately 30-fold greater inhibition of TNF-α production in non-clinical studies and maintaining low brain distribution to minimize central nervous system-related side effects. The drug is currently in clinical development for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar pustulosis, for which it has received orphan medicinal product designation in the European Union.

Other names

morcamilast