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DSSTox_CID_3201
Also known as: 75706-12-6, Arava, Lefunamide, Leflunomida, Leflunomidum, 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,2-oxazole-4-carboxamide
Molecular Formula
C12H9F3N2O2
Molecular Weight
270.21  g/mol
InChI Key
VHOGYURTWQBHIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
G162GK9U4W

An isoxazole derivative that inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, the fourth enzyme in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. It is used an immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS and PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS.
Leflunomide is an Antirheumatic Agent.
1 2D Structure

DSSTox_CID_3201

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
5-methyl-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,2-oxazole-4-carboxamide
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C12H9F3N2O2/c1-7-10(6-16-19-7)11(18)17-9-4-2-8(3-5-9)12(13,14)15/h2-6H,1H3,(H,17,18)
2.1.3 InChI Key
VHOGYURTWQBHIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1=C(C=NO1)C(=O)NC2=CC=C(C=C2)C(F)(F)F
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
G162GK9U4W
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Arava

2. Hwa 486

3. Hwa-486

4. Hwa486

5. N-(4-trifluoromethyphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide

6. Su101

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 75706-12-6

2. Arava

3. Lefunamide

4. Leflunomida

5. Leflunomidum

6. 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,2-oxazole-4-carboxamide

7. Hwa 486

8. Hwa-486

9. Repso

10. Leflunomidum [inn-latin]

11. Leflunomide Medac

12. Su101

13. 5-methyl-n-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)isoxazole-4-carboxamide

14. Arava (tn)

15. Su-101

16. 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxylic Acid (4-trifluoromethyl)anilide

17. Leflunomide Teva

18. 5-methyl-n-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4-isoxazolecarboxamide

19. 4-isoxazolecarboxamide, 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-

20. Alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-5-methyl-4-isoxazolecarboxy-p-toluidide

21. Leflunomide Winthrop

22. Sulol

23. Hwa486

24. 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]isoxazole-4-carboxamide

25. Leflunomide Ratiopharm

26. Rs-34821

27. L04aa13

28. Chembl960

29. Nsc-677411

30. Nsc-759864

31. 5-methylisoxazole-4-(4-trifluoromethylcarboxanilide)

32. Mls000069648

33. Chebi:6402

34. G162gk9u4w

35. 4-isoxazolecarboxamide, 5-methyl-n-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-

36. Ncgc00015610-02

37. Smr000058209

38. 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-isoxazolecarboxamide

39. Leflunomide 100 Microg/ml In Acetonitrile

40. Cas-75706-12-6

41. Dsstox_cid_3201

42. Dsstox_rid_76923

43. Dsstox_gsid_23201

44. Leflunomida [inn-spanish]

45. Su 101 (pharmaceutical)

46. Lefunomide [inn-spanish]

47. Leflunomide [inn]

48. Hsdb 7289

49. Sr-01000000191

50. Unii-g162gk9u4w

51. Arabloc

52. N-(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide

53. Prestwick_87

54. Leflunomide [usan:usp:inn:ban]

55. Mfcd00867593

56. Su 101

57. Spectrum_000322

58. Leflunomide [mi]

59. Opera_id_1709

60. Prestwick0_000772

61. Prestwick1_000772

62. Prestwick2_000772

63. Prestwick3_000772

64. Spectrum5_000850

65. Leflunomide [jan]

66. Lopac-l-5025

67. Leflunomide [hsdb]

68. Leflunomide [usan]

69. L 5025

70. Leflunomide [vandf]

71. Schembl5057

72. Leflunomide [mart.]

73. Bidd:pxr0189

74. Lopac0_000649

75. Bspbio_000844

76. Kbioss_000802

77. Leflunomide [usp-rs]

78. Leflunomide [who-dd]

79. Leflunomide, Immunosuppressant

80. Mls001076267

81. Divk1c_000916

82. Leflunomide (jan/usp/inn)

83. Spectrum1503927

84. Spbio_002783

85. Leflunomide [ema Epar]

86. Bpbio1_000930

87. Gtpl6825

88. Zinc4840

89. Dtxsid9023201

90. Hms502n18

91. Kbio1_000916

92. Kbio2_000802

93. Kbio2_003370

94. Kbio2_005938

95. Leflunomide [ep Impurity]

96. Leflunomide [orange Book]

97. Ninds_000916

98. 4-isoxazolecarboxamide, 5-methyl-n-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl

99. Hms1570k06

100. Hms1922m06

101. Hms2090o12

102. Hms2097k06

103. Hms2235c07

104. Hms3262a19

105. Hms3268d12

106. Hms3371f21

107. Hms3414p03

108. Hms3654f07

109. Hms3673m17

110. Hms3678n21

111. Hms3714k06

112. Hms3865i13

113. Leflunomide [ep Monograph]

114. Leflunomide For Peak Identification

115. Pharmakon1600-01503927

116. Leflunomide [usp Monograph]

117. Albb-019233

118. Bcp22241

119. Hy-b0083

120. Tox21_110182

121. Tox21_301873

122. Tox21_500649

123. Bdbm50054601

124. Dl-433

125. Nsc677411

126. Nsc759864

127. S1247

128. Stl426823

129. Akos000265193

130. Tox21_110182_1

131. Ac-6796

132. Bcp9000846

133. Ccg-204736

134. Cs-1781

135. Db01097

136. Ks-1076

137. Lp00649

138. Nsc 677411

139. Nsc 759864

140. Sb17287

141. Sdccgsbi-0050629.p003

142. Idi1_000916

143. Ncgc00015610-01

144. Ncgc00015610-03

145. Ncgc00015610-04

146. Ncgc00015610-05

147. Ncgc00015610-06

148. Ncgc00015610-07

149. Ncgc00015610-08

150. Ncgc00015610-09

151. Ncgc00015610-10

152. Ncgc00015610-11

153. Ncgc00015610-12

154. Ncgc00015610-13

155. Ncgc00015610-14

156. Ncgc00015610-17

157. Ncgc00015610-18

158. Ncgc00015610-30

159. Ncgc00022625-03

160. Ncgc00022625-04

161. Ncgc00022625-05

162. Ncgc00022625-06

163. Ncgc00022625-07

164. Ncgc00022625-08

165. Ncgc00255370-01

166. Ncgc00261334-01

167. Bm164612

168. A9622

169. Ab00052389

170. Eu-0100649

171. Ft-0621959

172. L0250

173. Sw196399-3

174. C07905

175. D00749

176. Mls-0003109.0001

177. Ab00052389-17

178. Ab00052389-18

179. Ab00052389_19

180. Ab00052389_21

181. 706l126

182. Q248550

183. Q-201289

184. Sr-01000000191-2

185. Sr-01000000191-4

186. Sr-01000000191-7

187. Brd-k78692225-001-03-9

188. Brd-k78692225-001-11-2

189. 5-methyl-4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)aminocarbonylisoxazole

190. 5-methyl-4-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)aminocarbonylisoxazole

191. Leflunomide, European Pharmacopoeia (ep) Reference Standard

192. N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide

193. 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]isoxazole-4-carboxamide

194. 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxylic Acid (4-trifluoromethyl)-anilide

195. N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxa-zole-4-carboxamide

196. Isoxazole-4-carboxamide, 5-methyl-n-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-

197. Leflunomide, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

198. 5-methyl-n-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)isoxazole-4-carboxamide;leflunomide

199. Hwa486; Rs-34821; Su101;hwa 486; Rs 34821; Su 101

200. Leflunomide, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

201. N-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) 5 Methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide

202. Leflunomide For Peak Identification, European Pharmacopoeia (ep) Reference Standard

2.4 Create Date
2005-03-25
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 270.21 g/mol
Molecular Formula C12H9F3N2O2
XLogP32.5
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count6
Rotatable Bond Count2
Exact Mass270.06161202 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass270.06161202 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area55.1 Ų
Heavy Atom Count19
Formal Charge0
Complexity327
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 4  
Drug NameArava
PubMed HealthLeflunomide (By mouth)
Drug ClassesImmune Modulator, Immune Suppressant
Drug LabelARAVA (leflunomide) is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The chemical name for leflunomide is N-(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide. It has an empirical formula C12H9F3N2O2, a molecular weight of 270.2 and the following struc..
Active IngredientLeflunomide
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength100mg; 10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanySanofi Aventis Us

2 of 4  
Drug NameLeflunomide
PubMed HealthLeflunomide (By mouth)
Drug ClassesImmune Modulator, Immune Suppressant
Drug LabelLeflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The chemical name for leflunomide is N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide. It has an empirical formula C12H9F3N2O2, a molecular weight of 270.2 and the following structural fo...
Active IngredientLeflunomide
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyApotex; Alembic Pharms; Sandoz; Teva Pharms; Heritage Pharms; Barr

3 of 4  
Drug NameArava
PubMed HealthLeflunomide (By mouth)
Drug ClassesImmune Modulator, Immune Suppressant
Drug LabelARAVA (leflunomide) is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The chemical name for leflunomide is N-(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide. It has an empirical formula C12H9F3N2O2, a molecular weight of 270.2 and the following struc..
Active IngredientLeflunomide
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength100mg; 10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanySanofi Aventis Us

4 of 4  
Drug NameLeflunomide
PubMed HealthLeflunomide (By mouth)
Drug ClassesImmune Modulator, Immune Suppressant
Drug LabelLeflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The chemical name for leflunomide is N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide. It has an empirical formula C12H9F3N2O2, a molecular weight of 270.2 and the following structural fo...
Active IngredientLeflunomide
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyApotex; Alembic Pharms; Sandoz; Teva Pharms; Heritage Pharms; Barr

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Antirheumatic

O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 971


Leflunomide is indicated to alleviate the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and to slow joint impairment. /Included in US product labeling/

Thomson.Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 24th ed. Volume 1. Plus Updates. Content Reviewed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Greenwood Village, CO. 2004., p. 1758


Leflunomide, a new oral immunomodulatory agent, is effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Its mechanism of action in suppressing inflammation is based in its inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for de novo synthesis of pyrimidine containing ribonucleotides. It is the first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with an indication for retardation of joint damage by radiography. Side effects are generally mild and include diarrhea, rashes, reversible alopecia, and elevation of hepatic transaminases. Despite the concern about hepatotoxicity, combination use with methotrexate in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been shown to be safe. Other autoimmune diseases in which leflunomide has been used successfully include Felty syndrome, vasculitis, Sjogren syndrome, Wegener granulomatosis, and bullous pemphigoid.

PMID:12003373 Sanders S, Harisdangkul V; Am J Med Sci 323 (4): 190-3 (2002)


Leflunomide has excellent antiviral activity against cytomegalovirus (CMV) in animal models and is considerably less expensive than intravenous ganciclovir. We used leflunomide in four consenting renal allograft recipients with symptomatic CMV disease, who were unable to afford ganciclovir and would otherwise remain untreated. This is the first report of efficacy of leflunomide in humans with CMV disease. They received loading dose of 100 mg of leflunomide once daily on days 1-3 and then 20 mg once daily for 3 months. All four patients were followed up three times weekly with physical examination, total leukocyte counts, blood urea and serum creatinine for a minimum period of 6 weeks. None of the patients showed drug related adverse events, alteration in cyclosporine levels, or decreased graft function, except one who developed leucopenia. Preliminary data presented suggests that leflunomide therapy for CMV disease is effective and could be used with careful monitoring in allograft recipients who cannot afford intravenous ganciclovir therapy. The duration of treatment and the role of leflunomide in secondary prophylaxis and in situations of ganciclovir resistance need to be studied further.

PMID:15167608 John GT et al; Transplantation 77 (9): 1460-1 (2004)


4.3 Drug Warning

FDA Pregnancy Risk Category: X /CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY. Studies in animals or humans, or investigational or post-marketing reports, have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities or risk which clearly outweights any possible benefit to the patient./

Thomson.Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 24th ed. Volume 1. Plus Updates. Content Reviewed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Greenwood Village, CO. 2004., p. 1758


Because it can take up to 2 years for plasma concentrations of the active metabolite of leflunomide (A77 1726) to decrease to undetectable concentrations (less than 0.02 ug/mL) following discontinuance of leflunomide, the possibility that adverse effects or drug interactions associated with the drug could continue to occur even thought the patient is no longer receiving leflunomide should be considered.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2004. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2004 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3609


Opportunistic infections and serious infection, including sepsis and death, have been reported rarely in patients receiving leflunomide. Most serious infections reported in patients receiving leflunomide occurred in those receiving concomitant therapy with immunosuppressive agent and/or those with comorbid illness that, in addition to rheumatoid arthritis, could have predisposed them to infections.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2004. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2004 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3609


Leflunomide, a new immunomodulatory agent, was prescribed to a 67-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Fifteen days later she developed diarrhea and elevated liver enzymes. A liver biopsy showed a pattern of acute hepatitis. The patient was homozygous for the rare CYP2C9*3 allele, which determines the slowest metabolic rate for CYP2C9 enzymatic activity, that is probably involved in the metabolism of leflunomide. Liver damage subsided in few weeks. This case illustrates the risk of hepatotoxicity by leflunomide and suggests that it is possibly related to CYP2C9 polymorphism.

PMID:14971821 Sevilla-Mantilla C et al; Dig Liver Dis 36 (1): 82-4 (2004)


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for LEFLUNOMIDE (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

For the management of the signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to improve physical function and to slow the progression of structural damage associated with the disease. Has also been used for the prevention of acute and chronic rejection in recipients of solid organ trasnplants and is designated by the FDA as an orphan drug for this use.


FDA Label


Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

- active rheumatoid arthritis as a 'disease-modifying antirheumatic drug' (DMARD);

- active psoriatic arthritis .

Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e. g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects.

Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.


Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

- active rheumatoid arthritis as a 'disease-modifying antirheumatic drug' (DMARD);

- active psoriatic arthritis .

Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e. g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects.

Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.


Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

- active rheumatoid arthritis as a 'disease-modifying antirheumatic drug' (DMARD);

- active psoriatic arthritis .

Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e. g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects.

Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.


Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

- active rheumatoid arthritis as a 'disease-modifying antirheumatic drug' (DMARD).

Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e. g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions, therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects.

Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.


Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

- active rheumatoid arthritis as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD);

- active psoriatic arthritis .

Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e. g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects.

Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.


Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis as a 'disease-modifying antirheumatic drug' (DMARD).

Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e. g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects.

Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an auto-immune disease characterized by high T-cell activity. T cells have two pathways to synthesize pyrimidines: the salvage pathways and the de novo synthesis. At rest, T lymphocytes meet their metabolic requirements by the salvage pathway. Activated lymphocytes need to expand their pyrimidine pool 7- to 8-fold, while the purine pool is expanded only 2- to 3-fold. To meet the need for more pyrimidines, activated T cells use the de novo pathway for pyrimidine synthesis. Therefore, activated T cells, which are dependent on de novo pyrimidine synthesis, will be more affected by leflunomide's inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase than other cell types that use the salvage pathway of pyrimidine synthesis.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Immunosuppressive Agents

Agents that suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of T-CELLS or by inhibiting the activation of HELPER CELLS. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of INTERLEUKINS and other CYTOKINES are emerging. (See all compounds classified as Immunosuppressive Agents.)


Enzyme Inhibitors

Compounds or agents that combine with an enzyme in such a manner as to prevent the normal substrate-enzyme combination and the catalytic reaction. (See all compounds classified as Enzyme Inhibitors.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
LEFLUNOMIDE
5.3.2 FDA UNII
G162GK9U4W
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Antirheumatic Agent [EPC]
5.4 ATC Code

L04AA13


L04AA13


L04AA13


L04AA13


L04AA13


L04AA13


L04AA13

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


L - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

L04 - Immunosuppressants

L04A - Immunosuppressants

L04AA - Selective immunosuppressants

L04AA13 - Leflunomide


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

Well absorbed, peak plasma concentrations appear 6-12 hours after dosing


Route of Elimination

The active metabolite is eliminated by further metabolism and subsequent renal excretion as well as by direct biliary excretion. In a 28 day study of drug elimination (n=3) using a single dose of radiolabeled compound, approximately 43% of the total radioactivity was eliminated in the urine and 48% was eliminated in the feces. It is not known whether leflunomide is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk, and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from leflunomide.


Volume of Distribution

0.13 L/kg


Following oral administration of leflunomide, the drug is rapidly converted to A77 1726 in the GI mucosa and liver.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2004. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2004 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3612


Time to peak concentration: Approximately 6 to 12 hours. /M1 metabolite/

Thomson.Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 24th ed. Volume 1. Plus Updates. Content Reviewed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Greenwood Village, CO. 2004., p. 1758


M1 metabolite is 80% bioavailable. Administration of leflunomide with a high-fat meal has no effect on the plasma concentration of M1. /M1 metabolite/

Thomson.Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 24th ed. Volume 1. Plus Updates. Content Reviewed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Greenwood Village, CO. 2004., p. 1758


M1 has a low volume of distribution (Vss = 0.13 L/kg) and is extensively bound (>99.3%) to albumin in healthy subjects. Protein binding has been shown to be linear at therapeutic concentrations. The free fraction of M1 is slightly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and approximately doubled in patients with chronic renal failure; the mechanism and significance of these increases are unknown.

Physicians Desk Reference. 58th ed. Thomson PDR. Montvale, NJ 2004., p. 726


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for LEFLUNOMIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Primarily hepatic. Leflunomide is converted to its active form following oral intake.


Leflunomide is metabolized to M1 and other minor active metabolites. An active metabolite, 4-trifluoromethylaniline, is present in plasma at low concentrations. Although the specific site of leflunomide metabolism is unknown, it has been suggested that the gastrointestinal wall and liver play a role in the metabolism.

Thomson.Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 24th ed. Volume 1. Plus Updates. Content Reviewed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Greenwood Village, CO. 2004., p. 1758


The 3-unsubstituted isoxazole ring in the anti-inflammatory drug leflunomide undergoes a unique N-O bond cleavage to the active alpha-cyanoenol metabolite A771726, which resides in the same oxidation state as the parent. In vitro studies were conducted to characterize drug-metabolizing enzyme(s) responsible for ring opening and to gain insight into the mechanism of ring opening. ... Although A771726 formation in human liver microsomes or recombinant p4501A2 required NADPH, its formation was greatly reduced by oxygen or carbon monoxide, suggesting that the isoxazole ring opening was catalyzed by the p450Fe(II) form of the enzyme. A mechanism for the p450-mediated ring scission is proposed in which the isoxazole ring nitrogen or oxygen coordinates to the reduced form of the heme followed by charge transfer from p450Fe(II) to the C=N bond or deprotonation of the C3-H, which results in a cleavage of the N-O bond.

PMID:12975333 Kalgutkar AS et al; Drug Metab Dispos 31 (10): 1240-50 (2003)


Leflunomide has known human metabolites that include (E)-3-Hydroxy-2-methanimidoyl-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]but-2-enamide.

S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560


5.7 Biological Half-Life

2 weeks


2 weeks /M1 metabolite/

Thomson.Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 24th ed. Volume 1. Plus Updates. Content Reviewed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Greenwood Village, CO. 2004., p. 1758


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Leflunomide is a prodrug that is rapidly and almost completely metabolized following oral administration to its pharmacologically active metabolite, A77 1726. This metabolite is responsible for essentially all of the drug's activity in-vivo. The mechanism of action of leflunomide has not been fully determined, but appears to primarily involve regulation of autoimmune lymphocytes. It has been suggested that leflunomide exerts its immunomodulating effects by preventing the expansion of activated autoimmune lymphocytes via interferences with cell cycle progression. In-vitro data indicates that leflunomide interferes with cell cycle progression by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (a mitochondrial enzyme involved in de novo pyrimidine ribonucleotide uridine monophosphate (rUMP)synthesis) and has antiproliferative activity. Human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase consists of 2 domains: an /-barrel domain containing the active site and an -helical domain that forms a tunnel leading to the active site. A77 1726 binds to the hydrophobic tunnel at a site near the flavin mononucleotide. Inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase by A77 1726 prevents production of rUMP by the de novo pathway; such inhibition leads to decreased rUMP levels, decreased DNA and RNA synthesis, inhibition of cell proliferation, and G1 cell cycle arrest. It is through this action that leflunomide inhibits autoimmune T-cell proliferation and production of autoantibodies by B cells. Since salvage pathways are expected to sustain cells arrested in the G1 phase, the activity of leflunomide is cytostatic rather than cytotoxic. Other effects that result from reduced rUMP levels include interference with adhesion of activated lymphocytes to the synovial vascular endothelial cells, and increased synthesis of immunosuppressive cytokines such as transforming growth factor- (TGF-). Leflunomide is also a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases activate signalling pathways leading to DNA repair, apoptosis and cell proliferation. Inhibition of tyrosine kinases can help to treating cancer by preventing repair of tumor cells.


Leflunomide exhibits anit-inflammatory activity by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2004. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2004 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3612


It has been suggested that leflunomide exerts its immunomodulating effects by preventing the expansion of activated autoimmune lymphocytes via interference with cell cycle progression. ... In vitro data indicate that leflunomide interferes with cell cycle progression by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase; there also is in vitro evidence that the drug inhibits protein tyrosine kinase activity in dividing cells and possesses other effect that may contribute to its immunomodulating activity.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2004. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2004 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3612


... In this study, we examined the effect of A771726 /active metabolite of leflunomide/ on osteoclast formation and bone-resorbing activity in vitro, using cultures of bone marrow-derived osteoclast progenitors and purified functionally mature osteoclasts, and then we elucidated the molecular mechanism of action of the effect of A771726 on osteoclasts. A771726 inhibited osteoclast formation from macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-dependent osteoclast progenitors in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) ligand (RANKL), without any other types of cells present, in a dose-related manner, similar to the inhibition in cultures of unfractionated bone marrow cells. In addition, A771726 suppressed bone resorption by isolated mature osteoclasts. These results indicate that A771726 directly and intrinsically inhibited the differentiation and function of osteoclast lineage cells without any mediation by other cells. The inhibition by A771726 was not restored by the simultaneous addition of uridine, and may be independent of the blockade of NF-kappaB activation and the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins. Thus, leflunomide, through its active metabolite, has the potential to prevent bone loss by directly inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function. This inhibition suggests a novel mechanism for leflunomide in the retardation of the joint destruction observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

PMID:15221489 Kobayashi Y et al; J Bone Miner Metab 22 (4): 318-28 (2004)


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