Teriflunomide (A77 1726, leflunomide metabolite)

General Information

Leflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug which functions by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which plays a key role in the de novo synthesis of the uridine monophosphate (rUMP), which is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Hence leflunomide inhibits the reproduction of rapidly dividing cells, especially lymphocytes. It is approved for use in moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis but has also shown to be of use in a number of other diseases such as Systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis and viral nephropathy.

Teriflunomide is the active metabolite of leflunomide (leflunomide is a pro-drug) and is marketed as a drug in its own right (trade name Aubagio, marketed by Sanofi, also known as A77 1726) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

This assay is for the measurement of teriflunomide for monitoring of leflunomide and teriflunomide treatment. There is no clinical utility in measurement of leflunomide.