leflunomide
A derivative of isoxazole used for its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. As a prodrug, leflunomide is converted to an active metabolite, A77 1726, which blocks dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, thereby preventing the expansion of activated T lymphocytes. This agent also inhibits various protein tyrosine kinases, such as protein kinase C (PKC), thereby inhibiting cell proliferation.
| US brand name: | Arava |
|---|---|
| Code name: | SU101 |
| Chemical structure: | 4-isoxazolecarboxamide, 5-methyl-N-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)- |
| NSC code: | 677411 |