Fingolimod is an immunosuppressive drug. It is derived from the Myriocin (ISP-1) metabolite of the fungus Isaria sinclairii. It is a structural analogue of sphingosine and gets phosphorylated by sphingosine kinases in the cell (most importantly sphingosine kinase 2). The molecular biology of phospho-fingolimod is thought to lie in its activity at one of the five sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors, S1PR1. It can sequester lymphocytes in lymph nodes, preventing them from moving to the central nervous system for auto-immune responses in multiple sclerosis and was originally proposed as a anti-rejection medication indicated post-transplantation.It has been reported to stimulate the repair process of glial cells and precursor cells after injury. Fingolimod has also been reported to be a cannabinoid receptor antagonist, a cPLA2 inhibitor and a ceramide synthase inhibitor.
