Rediscovering mycophenolic acid: a review of its mechanism, side effects, and potential uses

Oral mycophenolic acid (MPA) therapy has been investigated in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis since the early 1970s and has been found to be both safe and effective. By inhibiting de novo purine biosynthesis, it functions as an antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunosuppressive agent. The recent availability of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a morpholinoester of MPA, has created renewed interest in the antipsoriatic properties of MPA. MMF is currently indicated for the prevention of organ rejection in transplant recipients and is used concomitantly with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. This review focuses on the pharmacology of MPA and MMF, studies of MPA in the treatment of psoriasis, and therapy with MMF. There is a potential application of MMF in the treatment of severe psoriasis and other inflammatory dermatoses, as well as topical MPA for the treatment of psoriasis.