Mercaptopurine
Description
Mercaptopurine, also known as 6-MP, is a powerful immunosuppressant medication used to treat various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and adults, Crohn‘s disease, and ulcerative colitis. It works by interfering with the production of purines, essential building blocks of DNA and RNA, thereby inhibiting cell division and immune system activity.
Associated Diseases
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Crohn‘s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Psoriasis
- Vasculitis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
Did you know?
Mercaptopurine was originally developed as a potential cancer chemotherapy agent, but it was discovered to have more potent immunosuppressive effects.
