Tranilast

Tranilast (INN, brand name Rizaben) is an antiallergic drug. It was developed by Kissei Pharmaceuticals and was approved in 1982 for use in Japan and South Korea for bronchial asthma. Indications for keloid and hypertrophic scar were added in 1993. It has been used for the treatment of allergic disorders such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.

In-vitro it reduces collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, and inhibits growth of neurofibroma cells.

In-vitro it inhibits the production of interleukin-6 in endothelial cells.

It is relatively safe and well tolerated by most patients at doses of up to 600 mg/day for months.

After promising results in three small trial Tranilast was studied in a major clinical trial (the PRESTO trial) for prevention of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary revascularization, but was not found effective for that application.

It has also been investigated for use as an antiproliferative drug on drug-eluting stents.

A phase II trial is recruiting rheumatoid arthritis patients.