Vidofludimus calcium acts as an activator of nuclear receptor-related 1 (
Nurr1), a neuroprotective
transcription factor and emerging target for
neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of Nurr1 is associated with neuroprotective effects by acting on
microglia,
astrocytes, and
neurons. In microglia and astrocytes, Nurr1 activation leads to a reduction in pro-inflammatory
cytokines and blocks the production of direct neurotoxic agents such as
reactive oxygen species and
nitric oxide. Increased Nurr1 activity in neurons promotes neuronal survival and differentiation, as well as improved neurotransmission. Therefore, activation of Nurr1 by vidofludimus calcium could reduce or halt
neurodegeneration and the progression of disability in patients suffering from MS and other degenerative diseases. In addition to its effects as a Nurr1 activator, vidofludimus calcium is also an inhibitor of
dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a mitochondrial key enzyme required for pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis. In contrast to resting
lymphocytes, active and rapidly proliferating lymphocytes rely on this enzyme to meet their demand for pyrimidines. To counteract an activated and pathogenic lymphocyte population, DHODH blockade is of clinical interest: the activated lymphocytes undergo metabolic stress, which subsequently induces apoptosis of the activated immune cells. == Pharmaceutical formulation ==