Logo 1 Logo 2

Investigational Drug Details

Drug ID: D293
Drug Name: Azathioprine
Synonyms:
Type: small molecule
DrugBank ID: DB00993
DrugBank Description: An immunosuppressive antimetabolite pro-drug. It is an imidazolyl derivative of 6-mercaptopurine and many of its biological effects are similar to those of the parent compound. Azathioprine is converted into 6-mercaptopurine in the body where it blocks purine metabolism and DNA synthesis.
PubChem ID: 2265
CasNo: 446-86-6
Repositioning for NAFLD: Yes
SMILES: CN1C=NC(=C1SC1=NC=NC2=C1NC=N2)[N+]([O-])=O
Structure:
InChiKey: LMEKQMALGUDUQG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular Weight: 277.263
DrugBank Targets: Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1
DrugBank MoA: Azathioprine antagonizes purine metabolism and may inhibit synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. It may also interfere with cellular metabolism and inhibit mitosis. Its mechanism of action is likely due to incorporation of thiopurine analogues into the DNA structure, causing chain termination and cytotoxicity.
DrugBank Pharmacology: Azathioprine is a chemotherapy drug, now rarely used for chemotherapy but more for immunosuppression in organ transplantation and autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease. It is a pro-drug, converted in the body to the active metabolite 6-mercaptopurine. Azathioprine acts to inhibit purine synthesis necessary for the proliferation of cells, especially leukocytes and lymphocytes. It is a safe and effective drug used alone in certain autoimmune diseases, or in combination with other immunosuppressants in organ transplantation. Its most severe side effect is bone marrow suppression, and it should not be given in conjunction with purine analogues such as allopurinol. The enzyme thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) deactivates 6-mercaptopurine. Genetic polymorphisms of TPMT can lead to excessive drug toxicity, thus assay of serum TPMT may be useful to prevent this complication.
DrugBank Indication: For use in rheumatoid arthritis, preventing renal transplant rejection, Crohn's disease, and colitis.
Targets:
Therapeutic Category:
Clinical Trial Progress:
Latest Progress: