Etrasimod, sold under the brand name Velsipity, is a medication that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). It is a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that modifies the activity of the immune system. It is taken by mouth. Etrasimod was discovered by Arena Pharmaceuticals, with subsequent development by Pfizer.

Medical uses

Etrasimod is used for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Mechanism of action

It works by causing T cells to become trapped in the

lymph node A lymph node, or lymph gland, is a kidney-shaped organ of the lymphatic system and the adaptive immune system. A large number of lymph nodes are linked throughout the body by the lymphatic vessels. They are major sites of lymphocytes that inclu ...

s, preventing them from entering the bloodstream, from where they would travel to other tissues in the body and mediate inflammation.

Society and culture

Legal status

Velsipity was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2023.

Names

Etrasimod is the international nonproprietary name.

References

Anti-inflammatory agents Immunosuppressants S1P receptor modulators Cyclopentyl compounds Indoles Carboxylic acids Trifluoromethyl compounds Aromatic ethers Pfizer brands {{Pharma-stub