Tranilast
Encyclopedia
Tranilast is an antiallergic drug. It was developed by Kissei Pharmaceuticals and was approved in 1982 for use in Japan and South Korea for bronchial asthma. Indications for keloid and hypertrophic scar
were added in 1993.
It has been used for the treatment of allergic disorders such as asthma
, allergic rhinitis
and atopic dermatitis
.
In-vitro it reduces collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, and inhibits growth of neurofibroma
cells.
In-vitro it inhibits the production of interleukin-6 in endothelial cells.
It is relatively safe and well tolerated by most patients at doses of up to 600 mg/day for months.
After promising results in three small trial Tranilast was studied in a major clinical trial (the PRESTO trial) for prevention of restenosis
after percutaneous transluminal coronary revascularization
, but was not found effective for that application.
It has also been investigated for use as an antiproliferative drug on drug-eluting stent
s.
A phase II trial is recruiting rheumatoid arthritis
patients.
A phase III trial is evaluating tranilast for Pterygium
.
Hypertrophic scar
Hypertrophic scars are a cutaneous condition characterized by deposits of excessive amounts of collagen which gives rise to a raised scar, but not to the degree observed with keloids. Like keloids, they form most often at the sites of pimples, body piercings, cuts and burns. They often contain...
were added in 1993.
It has been used for the treatment of allergic disorders such as asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
, allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, also known as pollenosis or hay fever, is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways.It occurs when an allergen, such as pollen, dust or animal dander is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system...
and atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, chronically relapsing, non-contagious and pruritic skin disorder...
.
In-vitro it reduces collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, and inhibits growth of neurofibroma
Neurofibroma
A neurofibroma is a benign nerve sheath tumor in the peripheral nervous system. Usually found in individuals with neurofibromatosis type I , an autosomal dominant genetically-inherited disease, they can result in a range of symptoms from physical disfiguration and pain to cognitive disability...
cells.
In-vitro it inhibits the production of interleukin-6 in endothelial cells.
It is relatively safe and well tolerated by most patients at doses of up to 600 mg/day for months.
After promising results in three small trial Tranilast was studied in a major clinical trial (the PRESTO trial) for prevention of restenosis
Restenosis
Restenosis literally means the reoccurrence of stenosis, a narrowing of a blood vessel, leading to restricted blood flow. Restenosis usually pertains to an artery or other large blood vessel that has become narrowed, received treatment to clear the blockage and subsequently become renarrowed...
after percutaneous transluminal coronary revascularization
Percutaneous coronary intervention
Percutaneous coronary intervention , commonly known as coronary angioplasty or simply angioplasty, is one therapeutic procedure used to treat the stenotic coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease. These stenotic segments are due to the build up of cholesterol-laden plaques...
, but was not found effective for that application.
It has also been investigated for use as an antiproliferative drug on drug-eluting stent
Drug-eluting stent
A drug-eluting stent ' is a peripheral or coronary stent placed into narrowed, diseased peripheral or coronary arteries that slowly releases a drug to block cell proliferation. This prevents fibrosis that, together with clots , could otherwise block the stented artery, a process called restenosis...
s.
A phase II trial is recruiting rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development...
patients.
A phase III trial is evaluating tranilast for Pterygium
Pterygium
Pterygium most often refers to a benign growth of the conjunctiva. A pterygium commonly grows from the nasal side of the sclera. It is usually present in the palpebral fissure. It is associated with, and thought to be caused by ultraviolet-light exposure , low humidity, and dust...
.