thalidomide + sulfasalazine

The combination of thalidomide and sulfasalazine refers to the therapeutic evaluation of these two agents, primarily in the context of a Phase 3 real-world comparative study conducted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory small molecule that exerts its effects by binding to the cereblon (CRBN) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, leading to the degradation of specific transcription factors and the subsequent inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. Sulfasalazine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that acts as a prodrug; it is cleaved by colonic bacteria into sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and modulate various inflammatory pathways. This combination or comparative regimen is investigated for the treatment of moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis, aiming to provide an oral alternative for patients who may not have access to or may not respond to biologic therapies.

Other names

thalidomide and sulfasalazine