Name:	Dapsone
Other Names:	Avlosulfon
Development Status:	investigational in U.S.
FDA Phase:	Phase II/IIa/IIb
Primary Medical Role:	An anti-infective agent, used to treat leprosy (Hansen's Disease); help control dermatitis herpetiformis; and is also used to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Role in Alzheimer's Disease:	As an anti-inflammatory drug, Dapsone might slow the progression of Alzheimer Disease.
Pharmacological Role:	Dapsone interferes with neutrophil infiltration and also suppresses neutrophil adherence. Dapsone also inhibits the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para- aminobenzoate for the active site of dihydropteroate synthetase.
Contraindications:	patients with severe anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, methemoglobin reductase deficiency, liver disease.
Side Effects:	Side effects include back, leg and stomach pains, unusual tiredness or weakness, difficulty breathing, loss of apeptite, dryness or peeling of skin, sore throat.
Evidence pro its efficacy:	Earlier studies indicated a lower prevalence of Alzheimer Disease in aged leprosy patients, leading to the suspicion that antileprosy drug, such as dapsone, might slow the progession of AD with its anti-inflammation action.
Evidence con its efficacy:	Later studies question the effect of dapsone on AD. One study found the dementia rate of patients with tuberculoid leprosy is similar to that of patients with lepromatous leprosy, although the latter group took more dapsone. Another in vitro study found anti-leprosy drugs (dapsone, rifampicin, clofazimine, minomycin or ofloxacin) had no effect on Abeta neurotoxicity.
Companies:	Immune Network Research Ltd.
Notes:	See Medline Plus Drug Informatin: Dapsone [Medline Plus]