fingolimod
Pronunciation: fin-GOL-i-mod
An oral sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator used as disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis.
Full Definition
Fingolimod is an oral immunomodulatory drug that acts as a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, effectively sequestering lymphocytes in lymph nodes and reducing their migration into the central nervous system. It was the first oral disease-modifying therapy approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The drug requires cardiac monitoring due to potential bradycardia and requires ophthalmological surveillance for macular edema. Fingolimod represents a significant advancement in MS treatment, offering improved patient compliance compared to injectable therapies while maintaining efficacy in reducing relapse rates and disease progression.
Usage
Usage note: Brand name Gilenya should be capitalized; generic name fingolimod is lowercase.
In Context
- "The patient was transitioned from interferon therapy to fingolimod due to injection-site reactions." — Clinical case note
- "Fingolimod treatment resulted in a 54% reduction in annualized relapse rate compared to placebo." — Clinical trial report