Deflazacort (MDL 458)

Description: Deflazacort (also known as MDL 458; trade name: Emflaza) is a potent glucocorticoid agent which is used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. It was approved by FDA in 2017 to treat patients age 5 years and older with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Deflazacort is an inactive prodrug which is metabolized rapidly to the active drug 21-desacetyldeflazacort. Deflazacort results in a significant and equal decrease of thymus weight, indicating a marked reduction in total immunogenic tissue in rats. Deflazacort reduces thymus weight and Daily weight gain in rats. Deflazacort lowers liver IFG-I and GHR mRNA in rats.

References: Neuropharmacology. 2012 Jun; 62(7):2261-6; Eur J Endocrinol. 1994 Dec; 131(6):652-7.

Related CAS#: 13649-57-5 (21-Desacetyl Deflazacort, a metabolite of Deflazacort); 13649-88-2 (21-Deacetoxy Deflazacort); 72099-45-7 (6b-Hydroxy-21-desacetyl Deflazacort)