FTY720

FTY720 (fingolimod, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator) is a novel immunosuppressant drug that causes lymphopenia by redirecting lymphocytes from circulation to the lymph nodes.

It is a chemical modification of the ISP-1 metabolite of the fungus Isaria sinclairii (Dong Chong Xia Cao). It is a structural analogue of sphingosine and gets phosphorylated by sphingosine kinase 2 1 21 in the cell. The molecular biology of this biological function lies in FTY720's activity at one of the five sphigosine-1-phospate receptors--S1P1. It is currently in phase III clinical trials as monotherapy for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. In a previous phase III trial of kidney transplantation, FTY720 was found to be no better than the existing standard of care.