Iguratimod in Autoimmune Diseases: Emerging Evidence for its Immunomodulatory and Therapeutic Role.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by joint inflammation and damage, leading to disability. Traditional treatments include methotrexate and other DMARDs, but many patients experience inadequate responses or intolerable side effects. Iguratimod (IGU), a novel synthetic DMARD developed in Japan, has shown promise in the management of RA and related autoimmune conditions. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Medline, focusing on recent high-quality publications related to iguratimod and employing keywords like "Iguratimod," "Sjögren's syndrome," "Sjögren's disease", "Rheumatoid arthritis," and "Ankylosing spondylitis". RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Clinical trials have demonstrated that iguratimod effectively reduces disease activity in RA patients, showing a comparable efficacy to salazosulphapyridine and improved outcomes when combined with methotrexate. In patients with Sjögren's disease, IGU significantly decreased disease activity indices and immunoglobulin levels. Furthermore, studies indicate that IGU has a favourable safety profile with fewer adverse effects than traditional DMARDs. The findings suggest that IGU offers a viable alternative for patients with RA and other autoimmune diseases who are intolerant to conventional therapies. Its dual action as an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent positions it as a beneficial option for managing these chronic conditions. CONCLUSION: Iguratimod is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Further research is warranted to establish long-term efficacy and safety profiles and explore its potential in combination therapies for patients with inadequate responses to existing treatments.