The use of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of systemic sclerosis.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, that inhibits the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis, the proliferative responses of T and B lymphocytes as well as antibody production by B-lymphocytes. It is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection after allogeneic cardiac, hepatic and renal transplants . It has recently also been used with good success in patients with lupus nephritis . Based on these actions, MMF appears to be a novel agent for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, especially during early disease where an inflammatory infiltrate preceeds the development of fibrosis. Disease modification early on during the inflammatory stage of systemic sclerosis may lead to an overall decrease in fibrotic complications both in relation to cutaneous and internal organ involvement.