DHODH Inhibitors
2 drugsAbout DHODH
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an enzyme essential for de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, a metabolic pathway critical for cell growth and proliferation. It catalyzes the fourth step in pyrimidine synthesis, providing precursors for DNA and RNA synthesis.
DHODH is a compelling drug target because rapidly dividing cells, like those in autoimmune diseases, require high levels of pyrimidines. Inhibiting DHODH reduces the production of these essential building blocks, potentially slowing disease progression. There is currently no genetic evidence directly linking DHODH to specific diseases.
DHODH is targeted by two FDA-approved small molecule drugs: ARAVA (leflunomide) and LEFLUNOMIDE. These drugs are used in immunology and other therapeutic areas. Sanofi and HERITAGE are the companies marketing these drugs.
Strategic Insights
ℹ️ How we calculate- White space opportunity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis with only 1 trials.
- phase2 represents biological uncertainty with 33% completion.
Top DHODH Drugs
The competitive landscape includes two companies, HERITAGE and Sanofi, with approved DHODH-targeting drugs.
Low market concentration suggests opportunities for new entrants, but established players pose a competitive threat.
DHODH Drug Modality Landscape
Modalities
Routes of Administration
Only one approved drug targets DHODH, using small molecule modality.
Explore alternative modalities like antibodies or PROTACs to differentiate from existing therapies.
DHODH Clinical Trials 43 trials
Completion by Phase
| Phase | Total | Completed | Failed | Active | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 60% |
| Phase 2 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 40% |
| Phase 3 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 78% |
| Phase 4 | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 90% |
Top Sponsors
By Modality
Top Conditions
Top Drugs
DHODH Drug Approval Timeline (1998 - 1998)
The first DHODH inhibitor, ARAVA, was approved in 1998, and the most recent, LEFLUNOMIDE, in 2005.
The limited approval span indicates potential saturation; new DHODH inhibitors may face challenges gaining market share.
Pro Intelligence Preview
Deep insights for drug target analysis
Competitive Landscape
- • 2 companies competing
- • Market share by company
Full Drug Portfolio
- • All 2 approved drugs
- • Approval dates & indications
Genetic Validation
- • Full genetic evidence table
- • Effect sizes & directions
Approval Timeline
- • Full 2-drug timeline
- • First-of-modality markers
Clinical Trials Analysis
- • Competition: High (15 sponsors)
- • White space: 10 underexplored indications
- • Success rates by condition
Full summary • All drugs • Genetic evidence • Trials • Timeline
How We Calculate These Metrics
Target Attractiveness Score
A 0-100 score based on trial activity, sponsor diversity, and completion rates. Calculated from 40 clinical trials targeting DHODH.
Completion rate: Percentage of trials that reached their planned endpoint. Trials terminated early, withdrawn, or suspended are not counted—these often indicate safety issues, lack of efficacy, or strategic pivots.
- Highly Attractive (80+): High trial activity, many sponsors, strong completion rates
- Attractive (60-79): Good trial activity and validation
- Moderate (40-59): Moderate interest from sponsors
- Low (under 40): Limited trial activity or validation concerns
Strategic Insights
Auto-generated insights based on trial analytics including competition intensity, white space opportunities, modality shifts, and failure patterns. We analyze trial sponsors, phases, indications, and outcomes.
Risk Signals
- High Competition: Many sponsors competing for this target (may reduce market opportunity)
- High Failure Risk: Low trial completion rates suggest development challenges
- Low Validation: Limited trial activity or poor outcomes indicate uncertain viability
- White Space Available: Underexplored indications present opportunities