Mycophenolate mofetil. A useful immunosuppressive in inflammatory eye disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (Cellcept, Roche), a potent selective uncompetitive and reversible inhibitor of ionisine monophosphate dehydrogenase involved in purine synthesis, as an immunosuppressive and steroid-sparing agent in the management of ocular inflammatory disease.

DESIGN

Open-label, prospective, uncontrolled pilot study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven patients with uncontrolled ocular inflammation.

INTERVENTION

Mycophenolate mofetil, at a dosage of 1 g twice daily, was given in conjunction with steroids, as a steroid-sparing agent, or as an additional agent with cyclosporine (CsA), or instead of CsA or azathioprine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The inflammatory response, side effects, and toxicity were monitored.

RESULTS

The addition of MMF to immunosuppressive regimens led to the improvement in symptoms and the ability to reduce the dose of prednisone in most patients. Ten of 11 patients showed a favorable response to MMF, with few side effects noted.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that MMF is a useful immunosuppressive drug for controlling ocular inflammation with minimal side effects.