Carotegrast methyl

Carotegrast methyl

Carotegrast methyl is a pharmacological agent that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective integrin antagonists. It is primarily used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Mechanism of Action

Carotegrast methyl works by inhibiting the function of alpha4 integrin, a protein that plays a crucial role in the migration of white blood cells to inflamed tissues. By blocking this protein, carotegrast methyl reduces the inflammation that characterizes IBD.

Clinical Use

Carotegrast methyl has been studied in clinical trials for its efficacy in treating IBD. Results have shown that it can significantly reduce the symptoms of these diseases, improving the quality of life for patients. However, like all drugs, it can also cause side effects, which can include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, carotegrast methyl is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine and feces. The half-life of carotegrast methyl is approximately 10 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.

Development and Approval

Carotegrast methyl was developed by the pharmaceutical company Takeda. It was approved for use in the treatment of IBD by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

See Also

• Integrin
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Pharmacology