Products
Ozanimod was approved in the United States and many countries in 2020 in hard capsule form (Zeposia).
Structure and properties
Ozanimod (C23H24N4O3, Mr = 404.5 g/mol) is present in the drug as ozanimod hydrochloride, a white solid that is highly soluble in water. Active metabolites are involved in the effects.
Effects
Ozanimod (ATC L04AA38) blocks the exit of lymphocytes from lymph nodes and reduces the number of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. As a result, fewer cells also enter the central nervous system. The effects are due to high-affinity agonism at S1P receptors 1 and 5 (sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors).
Indications
For the treatment of adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Treatment is started gradually (dose titration). Capsules are taken once daily, independent of meals.
Contraindications
Full details of precautions and interactions can be found in the Drug Information Leaflet.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include nasopharyngitis, elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, and elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase levels.
