Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase is a crucial enzyme that T and B lymphocytes use for the de novo production of guanosine nucleotides [1].

In an ACI-to-Lewis rat heterotopic cardiac transplant model, treatment of Mycophenolate mofetil at doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg leads to a prolongation of graft survival, with median survival time (MST) of 14.5 days and 18.5 days, respectively. In bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma mouse model, Mycophenolate mofetil reduces inflammatory-cell infiltration, tissue hydroxyproline content and dermal thickness.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Mycophenolate mofetil is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine. The maximum concentration of its active metabolite, MPA, is attained 60 to 90 minutes following an oral dose. The average bioavailability of orally administered mycophenolate mofetil in a pharmacokinetic study of 12 healthy patients was 94%. In healthy volunteers, the Cmax of mycophenolate mofetil was 24.5 (±9.5)μg/mL. In renal transplant patients 5 days post-transplant, Cmax was 12.0 (±3.82) μg/mL, increasing to 24.1 (±12.1)μg/mL 3 months after transplantation. AUC values were 63.9 (±16.2) μg•h/mL in healthy volunteers after one dose, and 40.8 (±11.4) μg•h/mL, and 65.3 (±35.4)μg•h/mL 5 days and 3 months after a renal transplant, respectively. The absorption of mycophenolate mofetil is not affected by food.
A small amount of drug is excreted as MPA in the urine (less than 1%). When mycophenolate mofetil was given orally in a pharmacokinetic study, it was found to be 93% excreted in urine and 6% excreted in feces. Approximately 87% of the entire administered dose is found to be excreted in the urine as MPAG, an inactive metabolite.
The volume of distribution of mycophenolate mofetil is 3.6 (±1.5) to 4.0 (±1.2) L/kg.
Plasma clearance of mycophenolate mofetil is 193 mL/min after an oral dose and 177 (±31) mL/min after an intravenous dose.
/Absorption/ is rapid and extensive after oral administration.
In 12 healthy volunteers, the mean absolute bioavailability of oral mycophenolate mofetil relative to intravenous mycophenolate mofetil (based on MPA AUC) was 94%. The area under the plasma-concentration time curve (AUC) for MPA appears to increase in a dose-proportional fashion in renal transplant patients receiving multiple doses of mycophenolate mofetil up to a daily dose of 3 g.
Protein binding: To plasma albumin: High (97% for mycophenolic acid (MPA) at concentration ranges normally seen in stable renal transplant patients). At higher mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) concentrations (e.g., in patients with renal impairment or delayed graft function), binding of MPA may be decreased as a result of competition between MPA and MPAG for binding sites.
The mean (+/-SD) apparent volume of distribution of MPA in 12 healthy volunteers is approximately 3.6 (+/-1.5) and 4.0 (+/-1.2) L/kg following intravenous and oral administration, respectively. MPA, at clinically relevant concentrations, is 97% bound to plasma albumin. MPAG is 82% bound to plasma albumin at MPAG concentration ranges that are normally seen in stable renal transplant patients; however, at higher MPAG concentrations (observed in patients with renal impairment or delayed renal graft function), the binding of MPA may be reduced as a result of competition between MPAG and MPA for protein binding. Mean blood to plasma ratio of radioactivity concentrations was approximately 0.6 indicating that MPA and MPAG do not extensively distribute into the cellular fractions of blood.
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Metabolism / Metabolites
After both oral and intravenous administration mycophenolate mofetil is entirely metabolized by liver carboxylesterases 1 and 2 to mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active parent drug. It is then metabolized by the enzyme glucuronyl transferase, producing the inactive phenolic glucuronide of MPA (MPAG). The glucuronide metabolite is important, as it is then converted to MPA through enterohepatic recirculation. Mycophenolate mofetil that escapes metabolism in the intestine enters the liver via the portal vein and is transformed to pharmacologically active MPA in the liver cells.N-(2-carboxymethyl)-morpholine, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine, and the N-oxide portion of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine are additional metabolites of MMF occurring in the intestine as a result of liver carboxylesterase 2 activity. UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 in the liver are the major enzymes contributing to the metabolism of MPA in addition to other UGT enzymes, which also play a role in MPA metabolism. The four major metabolites of MPA are 7-O-MPA-β-glucuronide (MPAG, inactive), MPA acyl-glucuronide (AcMPAG), produced by uridine 5ʹ-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) activities, 7-O-MPA glucoside produced via UGT, and small amounts 6-O-des-methyl-MPA (DM-MPA) via CYP3A4/5 and CYP2C8 enzymes.
Following oral and intravenous dosing, mycophenolate mofetil undergoes complete metabolism to MPA /mycophenolic acid/, the active metabolite. Metabolism to MPA occurs presystemically after oral dosing. MPA is metabolized principally by glucuronyl transferase to form the phenolic glucuronide of MPA (MPAG) which is not pharmacologically active. In vivo, MPAG is converted to MPA via enterohepatic recirculation. The following metabolites of the 2- hydroxyethyl-morpholino moiety are also recovered in the urine following oral administration of mycophenolate mofetil to healthy subjects: N-(2-carboxymethyl)-morpholine, N-(2- hydroxyethyl)-morpholine, and the N-oxide of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine.

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Biological Half-Life
The average apparent half-life of mycophenolate mofetil is 17.9 (±6.5) hours after oral administration and 16.6 (±5.8) hours after intravenous administration.
For mycophenolic acid (MPA):Mean apparent: Approximately 17.9 hours after oral administration and 16.6 hours after intravenous administration.
Mean (+/-SD) apparent half-life and plasma clearance of MPA are 17.9 (+/-6.5) hours and 193 (+/-48) mL/min following oral administration and 16.6 (+/-5.8) hours and 177 (+/-31) mL/min following intravenous administration, respectively.

Protein Binding
The protein binding of mycophenolic acid, the metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil, is 97% and it is mainly bound to albumin. MPAG, the inactive metabolite, is 82% bound to plasma albumin at normal therapeutic concentrations. At elevated MPAG concentrations due to various reasons, including renal impairment, the binding of MPA may be decreased due to competition for binding.

[1]. Preliminary risk-benefit assessment of mycophenolate mofetil in transplant rejection. Drug Saf. 1997;17(2):75-92.

[2]. Mycophenolate mofetil. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy in renal transplantation. Drugs. 1996;51(2):278-298.

Mycophenolate mofetil is a carboxylic ester resulting from the formal condensation between the carboxylic acid group of mycophenolic acid and the hydroxy group of 2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethanol. In the liver, it is metabolised to mycophenolic acid, an immunosuppressant for which it is a prodrug. It is widely used to prevent tissue rejection following organ transplants as well as for the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases. It has a role as an immunosuppressive agent, a prodrug, an EC 1.1.1.205 (IMP dehydrogenase) inhibitor and an anticoronaviral agent. It is a gamma-lactone, a member of phenols, an ether, a carboxylic ester and a tertiary amino compound. It is functionally related to a mycophenolic acid and a 2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethanol.
Mycophenolate mofetil, also known as MMF or CellCept, is a prodrug of mycophenolic acid, and classified as a reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). This drug is an immunosuppressant combined with drugs such as [Cyclosporine] and corticosteroids to prevent organ rejection after hepatic, renal, and cardiac transplants. It is marketed by Roche Pharmaceuticals and was granted FDA approval for the prophylaxis of transplant rejection in 1995. In addition to the above uses, mycophenolate mofetil has also been studied for the treatment of nephritis and other complications of autoimmune diseases. Unlike another immunosuppressant class, the calcineurin inhibitors, MMF generally does not cause nephrotoxicity or fibrosis. Previously, mycophenolic acid (MPA) was administered to individuals with autoimmune diseases beginning in the 1970s, but was discontinued due to gastrointestinal effects and concerns over carcinogenicity. The new semi-synthetic 2-morpholinoethyl ester of MPA was synthesized to avoid the gastrointestinal effects associated with the administration of MPA. It demonstrates an increased bioavailability, a higher efficacy, and reduced gastrointestinal effects when compared to MPA.
Mycophenolate Mofetil is the morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid (MPA) with potent immunosuppressive properties. Mycophenolate stops T-cell and B-cell proliferation through selective inhibition of the de novo pathway of purine biosynthesis. In vivo, the active metabolite, MPA, reversibly inhibits inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides. MPA displays high lymphocyte specificity and cytotoxicity due to the higher dependence of activated lymphocytes on both salvage and de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides relative to other cell types. (NCI04)
Compound derived from Penicillium stoloniferum and related species. It blocks de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides by inhibition of the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMP DEHYDROGENASE). Mycophenolic acid exerts selective effects on the immune system in which it prevents the proliferation of T-CELLS, LYMPHOCYTES, and the formation of antibodies from B-CELLS. It may also inhibit recruitment of LEUKOCYTES to sites of INFLAMMATION.
See also: Mycophenolic Acid (has active moiety); Mycophenolate Mofetil Hydrochloride (has salt form).

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Drug Indication
Mycophenolate mofetil is indicated in combination with other immunosuppressants to prevent the rejection of kidney, heart, or liver transplants in adult and pediatric patients ≥3 months old. Mycophenolate mofetil may also be used off-label as a second-line treatment for autoimmune hepatitis that has not responded adequately to first-line therapy. Other off-label uses of this drug include lupus-associated nephritis and dermatitis in children.
FDA Label
CellCept is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac or hepatic transplants.
Myfenax is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac or hepatic transplants.
Myclausen is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac or hepatic transplants. ,
Mycophenolate mofetil Teva is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac or hepatic transplants.

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Mechanism of Action
The active metabolite of mycophenolate, mycophenolic acid, prevents T-cell and B-cell proliferation and the production of cytotoxic T-cells and antibodies. Lymphocyte and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells of blood vessels that normally part of inflammation is prevented via the glycosylation of cell adhesion molecules by MPA. MPA inhibits de novo purine biosynthesis (that promotes immune cell proliferation) by inhibiting inosine 5’-monophosphate dehydrogenase enzyme (IMPDH), with a preferential inhibition of IMPDH II. IMPDH normally transforms inosine monophosphate (IMP) to xanthine monophosphate (XMP), a metabolite contributing to the production of guanosine triphosphate (GTP). GTP is an important molecule for the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and protein. As a result of the above cascade of effects, mycophenolate mofetil reduces de-novo production of guanosine nucleotides, interfering with the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein required for immune cell production. Further contributing to the above anti-inflammatory effects, MMF depletes tetrahydrobiopterin, causing the decreased function of inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme, in turn decreasing the production of peroxynitrite, a molecule that promotes inflammation.
As a potent, selective, noncompetitive, and reversible, inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite /of mycophenolate mofetil/, inhibits the de novo synthesis pathway of guanosine nucleotides without being incorporated into DNA. Because T and B lymphocytes are critically dependent for their proliferation on de novo synthesis of purines, while other cell types can utilize salvage pathways, MPA has potent cytostatic effects on lymphocytes. MPA inhibit proliferative responses of T and B lymphocytes to both mitogenic and allospecific stimulation. The addition of guanosine or deoxyguanosine reverses the cytostatic effects of MPA on lymphocytes. MPA also suppresses antibody formation by B lymphocytes. MPA prevents the glycosylation of lymphocytes and monocyte glycoproteins that are involved in intercellular adhesion of these cells to endothelial cells, and may inhibit recruitment of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and graft rejection. Mycophenolate mofetil dose not inhibit the early events in the activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, such as the production of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2, but does block the coupling of these events to DNA synthesis and proliferation.

C23H31NO7

433.4947

433.21

C, 63.73; H, 7.21; N, 3.23; O, 25.83

128794-94-5

Mycophenolate Mofetil-d4;1132748-21-0;Mycophenolate mofetil hydrochloride;116680-01-4

5281078

White to off-white solid powder

1.2±0.1 g/cm3

637.6±55.0 °C at 760 mmHg

95-96ºC

339.4±31.5 °C

0.0±2.0 mmHg at 25°C

1.557

3.15

1

8

10

31

646

0

O1C([H])([H])C([H])([H])N(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])OC(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])/C(/C([H])([H])[H])=C(\[H])/C([H])([H])C2C(=C3C(=O)OC([H])([H])C3=C(C([H])([H])[H])C=2OC([H])([H])[H])O[H])=O)C([H])([H])C1([H])[H]

RTGDFNSFWBGLEC-SYZQJQIISA-N

InChI=1S/C23H31NO7/c1-15(5-7-19(25)30-13-10-24-8-11-29-12-9-24)4-6-17-21(26)20-18(14-31-23(20)27)16(2)22(17)28-3/h4,26H,5-14H2,1-3H3/b15-4+

2-morpholin-4-ylethyl (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-1H-2-benzofuran-5-yl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate

RS61443;Mycophenolic acid, Mycophenolate mofetil, Cellcept, Myfortic, RS-61443;Mycophenolate mofetil (free acid);

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.77 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 40% PEG300 + 5% Tween80 + 45% Saline (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 400 μL PEG300 and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 to the above solution and mix evenly; then add 450 μL normal saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH₂ O to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.77 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 3: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.77 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.

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Solubility in Formulation 4: 0.5% methylcellulose:20 mg/mL

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Solubility in Formulation 5: 33.33 mg/mL (76.89 mM) in Cremophor EL (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution; with ultrasonication.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)