Mycophenolate Mofetil for the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis

Mycophenolate mofetil, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, that inhibits the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis, inhibits proliferative responses of T and B lymphocytes as well as antibody production by B-lymphocytes. It is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection after allogeneic cardiac, hepatic and renal transplants. It has also been recently used with good success in patients with lupus nephritis. Based on these actions mycophenolate mofetil appears to be a novel agent in the treatment of systemic sclerosis.