Mercaptopurine

Ulcerative Colitis, Hepatitis, Autoimmune, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia + 3 more

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Mercaptopurine

What is Mercaptopurine

Mercaptopurine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Mercaptopurine is a medication used to treat leukemia. It works by blocking the growth of cancer cells, and can also suppress the immune system. Mercaptopurine slows down the production of certain molecules needed for cancer cell growth and is usually taken in combination with other drugs.

Mercaptopurine

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Mercaptopurine Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Mercaptopurine

Mercaptopurine

2004

12

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Mercaptopurine, otherwise known as Mercaptopurine, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia .

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in combination with null

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in combination with null

Effectiveness

How Mercaptopurine Affects Patients

Mercaptopurine is a drug used to treat leukemias. It is a type of purine, which is a building block of DNA, and works by interfering with the body's ability to produce DNA. It isn't clear exactly how it works to kill cancer cells, but it has been found to be effective.

How Mercaptopurine works in the body

Mercaptopurine works by blocking the action of an enzyme called HGPRTase. It does this by competing with hypoxanthine and guanine for the enzyme. Mercaptopurine is then changed into a compound called TIMP, which blocks several reactions involving inosinic acid. The TIMP is then changed into another compound called MTIMP, which blocks an enzyme that is the first step in purine ribonucleotide production. Mercaptopurine can also be changed into nucleotide derivatives of 6-thioguanine through processes involving IMP dehydrogenase and XMP aminase. These derivatives

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dosage of Mercaptopurine is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Crohn's Disease, Autoimmune Hepatitis and Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Suspension or Tablet - Oral) detailed in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Lymphoma

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Crohn's Disease

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Hepatitis, Autoimmune

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Ulcerative Colitis

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Warnings

Mercaptopurine has one contraindication, so should not be used in conjunction with any of the conditions outlined in the following table.

Mercaptopurine Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

prior drug resistance

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Mercaptopurine.

Common Mercaptopurine Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

2-Methoxyethanol

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.

9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.

Abatacept

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with Abatacept.

Abetimus

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with Abetimus.

Acteoside

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with Acteoside.

Mercaptopurine Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on mercaptopurine can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased bone marrow activity, liver problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The lowest toxic dose has been found to be 480mg/kg in mice and 425mg/kg in rats.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Mercaptopurine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mercaptopurine?

289 active clinical trials are presently assessing the potential of Mercaptopurine to manage Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Lymphoma and Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Lymphoma

21 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

120 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4

Ulcerative Colitis

14 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

0 Actively Recruiting

Hepatitis, Autoimmune

0 Actively Recruiting

Crohn's Disease

54 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Mercaptopurine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mercaptopurine?

5

Patient Review

2/1/2014

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I was diagnosed with Crohn's 3 months ago and put on Prednisone 5mg and Mercaptopurine 6-mp 50mg. I've since gone off the Prednisone, but my doctor increased the Mercaptopurine from one tablet to 1 1/2 a day. Since then, I've noticed an increase in weight gain and some joint pain in my fingers. Has anyone else experienced these side effects from taking Mercaptopurine?

5

Patient Review

8/14/2017

Mercaptopurine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

I've been using this treatment for seven years with excellent results. I was initially hesitant to try it because of the potential side effects, but so far I haven't experienced any problems. It's definitely improved my quality of life and I would recommend it to others in a similar situation.

5

Patient Review

2/27/2015

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I've been on this medication for nearly 30 years now, and it's been a godsend. I haven't experienced any negative side effects that are worth mentioning, and Crohn's hasn't been an issue for me since starting the treatment.

5

Patient Review

10/21/2013

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

This medication has been a life-saver for me. It's kept me out of the hospital and in remission for thirteen years, even during flare-ups.

5

Patient Review

8/11/2013

Mercaptopurine for Type of Leukemia - Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This treatment is effective.

5

Patient Review

4/1/2020

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I've been taking this medication for 20 years now, ever since I had to get three bowel resections for Crohn's. This has worked great without any of the nasty side effects that prednisone caused.

4.7

Patient Review

10/25/2014

Mercaptopurine for Ulcerated Colon

I was diagnosed with UC in 92 and Asacol has been my go-to treatment since then. 2 years ago, it became less effective so I started using Prednisone as well. However, the side effects were unbearable; I couldn't even do daily living functions. Then I started 6mp with Asacol which got me functioning again. Although I am tired and have to drink lots of water every day, I am living and not worrying about where the nearest toilet is. Now on this treatment for 7 months, I am worried but still taking things one day at a time.

4

Patient Review

5/15/2015

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

As an 66 year old woman who has had to get 7 bowel resections, I really loved Remacade. However, I can't take it anymore because it's no longer effective for me. 6MP makes me depressed and tired, so that's not an option either.

3.7

Patient Review

4/23/2015

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

After two weeks of use, I started to experience a choking sensation in my chest and throat. Additionally, I experienced pain in my chest and breast area, as well as muscle cramps and weakness. However, the Crohn's disease symptoms got better. I'm not sure if I should keep taking it.

3.3

Patient Review

3/11/2013

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I sometimes feel nauseous after taking this medication. Is this a common side effect?

2.7

Patient Review

9/22/2016

Mercaptopurine for Ulcerated Colon

My kidneys failed after just two months of using this treatment. I spent a fortnight in the hospital as a result. Five years later, my kidneys have recovered completely. I still deal with the occasional flareup, but don't use drugs to manage them anymore.

2.3

Patient Review

7/20/2016

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I've been on this medication for 3 months now and I have not experienced any changes, only some weight gain.

2.3

Patient Review

3/17/2017

Mercaptopurine for Ulcerated Colon

I was on this treatment for seven months. After five, I saw some improvement; however, the joint pain became so unbearable that I had to stop taking it. Now, after cort enemas and six months of asacol, I'm back in full flare.

1.3

Patient Review

11/7/2017

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

Mercaptopurine and I do not agree. This medication really irritates my system and makes me have to go to the bathroom more often than usual.

1

Patient Review

5/20/2016

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I have had Crohn's for the past 7 years and I'm only now seeing a change after being on mercaptopurine for two months. The only downside is that I've gained weight.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about mercaptopurine

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What class drug is mercaptopurine?

"Mercaptopurine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called purine antagonists. These drugs work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells."

Answered by AI

How does mercaptopurine work for Crohn's disease?

"Azathioprine and mercaptopurine help to reduce inflammation in gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn's and Colitis by suppressing the immune system."

Answered by AI

Is mercaptopurine a chemotherapy drug?

"Mercaptopurine is a chemotherapy drug that has a wide range of applications. It is most commonly used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but can also be used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute promyelocytic leukemia (a rare form of AML), and other cancers."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of the drug mercaptopurine?

"If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor immediately:

You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. You may also experience temporary hair loss. If any of these effects are persistent or worsen, notify your doctor. This medication may cause serious side effects in some people."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Mercaptopurine

Image of Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX in Houston, United States.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

18+
All Sexes
Houston, TX

Many Veterans with gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), also have mental health conditions. IBD and mental health conditions can worsen one another through the brain-gut axis, leading to dramatic deficits in psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QOL). Yet, few Veterans with comorbid IBD and mental health conditions receive psychotherapy and no evidence-based psychotherapies have been tested in Veterans with these comorbidities. Adapting brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to the specific to the needs of these patients and embedding treatment into routine gastroenterology care may increase Veterans' access to efficient and effective rehabilitative care. This study aims to adapt and test an integrated, 1-Day ACT intervention tailored to the specific needs of Veterans with IBD and mental health conditions to improve psychosocial functioning and QOL.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

Mackenzie Lynmarie Shanahan, PhD

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CD22 CAR T-cells for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

3 - 65
All Sexes
Bethesda, MD

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy involves taking immune cells (T cells) from a person and modifying them to better target cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy that targets a marker called CD19 has been show to can cure ALL in many children and adults. But in about 50% of patients, the ALL comes back within a year. Researchers want to find out if a second treatment with CAR T-cell therapy that targets a different marker, CD22, can keep the cancer away longer. Objective: To see if CD22 CAR T-cell therapy can keep ALL away longer. Eligibility: People aged 3 to 65 years who have no signs of cancer after CD19 CAR T-cell treatment for ALL. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have imaging scans and tests of their heart function. A sample of tissue (biopsy) will be collected from their bone marrow. They will have a fluid sample collected from the area around their spinal cord. Participants will undergo collection of their white blood cells (T cells) during a procedure called leukapheresis. Blood will be taken from their body through a vein. The blood will pass through a machine that separates out the T cells. The remaining blood will be returned to the body through a different vein. The cells will be altered in a lab to create CD22 CAR T-cell therapy. Participants will take drugs over 4 consecutive days to prepare their body for the CAR T-cell therapy; then they will receive their modified T cells through a tube inserted into a vein. Some people may need to stay in the hospital during treatment. Participants will have follow-up visits for 2 years.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Sara K Silbert, M.D.

Image of The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

Nutritional Therapy + Anti-TNFα for Crohn's Disease

9 - 17
All Sexes
Vancouver, Canada

Children with Crohn's disease (CD), a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), often face serious health challenges, including poor growth, frequent hospital stays, and long-term medication use. Although biologic drugs like infliximab, an anti-TNFα (Tumor necrosis factor α) medication, have improved treatment, they don't work for everyone: many children still experience symptoms or disease flare-ups. Nutritional therapies, especially the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), may help improve treatment outcomes. This study will assess whether starting CDED at the same time as infliximab leads to better responses to treatment. The goal of this study is to improve how well children respond to therapy, reduce drug exposure, and support better long-term health.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

The University of British Columbia

Kevan Jacobson, MBBCh, FRCP, FRCPC, AGAF, CAGF

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Ustekinumab for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

18+
All Sexes
Montreal, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether disease remission can be maintained when biologic therapy is reduced in patients with Crohn"s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) taking ustekinumab (UST). The main question it aims to answer is: Can we de-escalate UST subcutaneous dose either from every 4 weeks (Q4) to every 8 weeks (Q8) or every 8 weeks (Q8) to every 12 weeks (Q12) in CD or UC patients in deep remission without loosing their response? Researchers will follow UST blood levels, inflammation markers and intestinal mucosa integrity and to see if UST dose can be reduced while maintaining clinical remission. Participants will: Change UST dosing from Q4 to Q8 or from Q8 to Q12. Visit the clinic once every 12 weeks for checkups and tests.

Phase 4
Recruiting

MUHC - Montreal General Hospital

Janssen Inc.

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68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for Crohn's Disease

18+
All Sexes
Rochester, MN

This study is a prospective, case-control study evaluating whether the PET radiotracer 68Ga-FAPI-46 can detect fibrostenosing Crohn's disease in the small bowel. The goal is to determine whether areas of early or developing fibrosis ("pre-stricture" changes) demonstrate uptake of the tracer, which binds to fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Participants with small bowel Crohn's disease will be assigned to either a case or control group based on CT or MR enterography findings at enrollment. Cases will include participants who have a small bowel stricture or probable stricture, with or without penetrating complications. Controls will include participants with small bowel Crohn's disease without strictures. Controls may have active inflammatory disease, luminal narrowing, or no active inflammation (including postoperative or chronic changes), as long as no stricture is present. Because most radiologic strictures represent more advanced fibrostenosis, the study aims to enroll a larger proportion of controls to better characterize early fibrotic changes. Approximately one-third to one-half of participants will be cases, and the remainder controls. This design will allow comparison of FAPI uptake patterns in patients with and without strictures to understand how FAP expression relates to the development of small bowel fibrosis.

Phase < 1
Recruiting

Mayo Clinic

David J Bartlett

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Tirzepatide + Resistance Exercise for Obesity in ALL Survivors

18+
All Sexes
Memphis, TN

This is a 28-week, single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial evaluating the combination of Tirzepatide and remote, supervised, tailored resistance exercise training to achieve weight loss in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) living with obesity or overweight with comorbidity. Primary Objective(s): • To evaluate the effectiveness for weight loss of the combined intervention using once weekly Tirzepatide plus remote, supervised, tailored resistance exercise (three sessions per week) in adult survivors of childhood ALL with obesity or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease). The effectiveness will be estimated as the proportion of evaluable participants who achieve at least 5% weight loss from baseline to week 28. The study will target a proportion of participants achieving 5% weight loss of 70% and consider fewer than 40% achieving 5% weight loss as unacceptable. Secondary Objective(s): * Estimate the proportion of participants who adhere to the 28-week combined intervention. Adherence to Tirzepatide will be defined as receiving at least 70% of prescribed doses. Adherence to resistance exercise will be defined as attending at least 50% of prescribed exercise sessions. Adherence to the combined intervention will be considered if participants complete the study and meet both the Tirzepatide and exercise adherence endpoint. The adherence to each component of the intervention will also be reported. * Estimate the average percentage weight loss from week 0 to 28 for participants completing the combined 28-week intervention. The study will target a mean weight reduction of 10% and consider \<5% unacceptable.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Stephanie B Dixon, MD, MPH

Image of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, United States.

N-Acetylglucosamine for Crohn's Disease

18 - 80
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

Protein glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification that regulates protein trafficking and protein-protein interactions impacting a host of physiological processes. There is a growing appreciation of glycosylation defects in chronic human diseases, including Crohns disease. Crohns disease (CD), and the related condition of ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that impact 3.1 million Americans. While the development of medications has revolutionized care of CD patients, clinical remission is only achieved in \~40% of patients a therapeutic ceiling that has not changed in 20 years. These data underscore the need for new CD treatment strategies. The investigators are focused on understanding the role of defective N-glycosylation in CD, as an innovative strategy to identify and develop new therapeutics. Depending on ancestral background, 7-25% of CD patients carry a pathogenic, missense mutation in the manganese (Mn) transporter ZIP8 (rs13107325; ZIP8 A391T). ZIP8 regulates systemic Mn homeostasis with ZIP8 391-Thr causing a relative Mn insufficiency. Mn is a required metal cofactor for enzymes regulating key cellular processes, like N-glycosylation. In the gut, protein N-glycosylation plays key roles in host-pathogen interactions, inflammation, and cell-cell interactions. The investigator's central hypothesis is that in patients carrying ZIP8 391-Thr - CD is exacerbated by aberrant N-glycosylation and that this defect can be targeted by specific, safe therapy. Supporting this hypothesis, Mn levels are reduced (\~15%) in ZIP8 391-Thr allele carriers and this is associated with a decrease in complex N-glycan branching in plasma. Further, the investigators uncovered a microbiota signature in the ileal mucosa that implicated altered bile acid homeostasis in ZIP8 391-Thr carriers. To better understand CD in ZIP8 391 carriers, the investigators generated a knock-in mouse model of ZIP8 391-Thr (Zip8393T/393T). Like patient data, the investigators observe reduced branching of N-glycans and disrupted bile acid homeostasis in the Zip8393T/393T mice. Promising human trials have shown that defects in N-glycan branching can be safely restored by raising levels of the rate-limiting metabolite UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) via supplementation with free GlcNAc. The investigator's preliminary data in Zip8393T/393T mice have demonstrated that GlcNAc supplementation restores N-glycan branching deficits, rescues the defect in bile acid homeostasis, and ameliorates colitis susceptibility. Thus, the objective of the proposed research is to test a safe and effective therapy for patients carrying ZIP8 391-Thr and others who may have underlying changes in N-glycosylation. The investigators will perform a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study to test the safety and tolerability of oral GlcNAc as a proof-of-concept study. The investigators will use two cohorts stratified by ZIP8 391-Thr genotype status (carriers and non-carriers, n= 20 participants in each cohort, total= 40 participants).

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Joanna Melia, MD

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DA-EPOCH + Ponatinib for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

18+
All Sexes
Seattle, WA

This phase II trial tests the effect of dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (DA-EPOCH) with or without rituximab plus ponatinib in treating patients newly diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma (ALL). Etoposide is in a class of medications known as podophyllotoxin derivatives. It blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and may kill cancer cells. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to reduce inflammation and lower the body's immune response to help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Vincristine is in a class of medications called vinca alkaloids. It works by stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Cyclophosphamide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by damaging the cell's DNA and may kill cancer cells. It may also lower the body's immune response. Doxorubicin is a drug that is used to treat many types of cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Doxorubicin comes from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius. It damages DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of anthracycline antitumor antibiotic. DA-EPOCH involves a longer exposure time to doxorubicin, vincristine and etoposide compared to a higher concentration over a shorter time which may provide better tumor response. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Ponatinib blocks BCR::ABL1 and other proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Ponatinib is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Giving DA-EPOCH with or without rituximab plus ponatinib may be safe, tolerable, and/or effective in treating patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium

Ryan Cassaday, MD

Takeda

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