Leflunomide is an example of which DMARD category?

Leflunomide is an example of which DMARD category?

• A. csDMARDs
• B. bDMARDs
• C. tsDMARDs
• D. NSAIDs

Answer: (A)

Leflunomide is a conventional synthetic DMARD. These are small-molecule drugs taken orally that aim to modify the disease process in inflammatory arthritis. Leflunomide works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, reducing de novo pyrimidine synthesis, and thereby decreasing the proliferation of activated T and B cells. This disease-modifying effect places it with other csDMARDs rather than biologic DMARDs (which are large protein drugs like monoclonal antibodies) or targeted synthetic DMARDs (which inhibit specific signaling pathways such as JAK inhibitors). NSAIDs, in contrast, mainly provide symptom relief without altering disease progression.

Leflunomide is a conventional synthetic DMARD. These are small-molecule drugs taken orally that aim to modify the disease process in inflammatory arthritis. Leflunomide works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, reducing de novo pyrimidine synthesis, and thereby decreasing the proliferation of activated T and B cells. This disease-modifying effect places it with other csDMARDs rather than biologic DMARDs (which are large protein drugs like monoclonal antibodies) or targeted synthetic DMARDs (which inhibit specific signaling pathways such as JAK inhibitors). NSAIDs, in contrast, mainly provide symptom relief without altering disease progression.