Imiquimod is a toll-like receptor 7 agonist used to treat non hyperkeratotic, non hypertrophic actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, genital or perianal warts, and condyloma acuminata. Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that acts as a toll-like receptor 7 agonist.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Imiquimod's mechanism of action is via stimulation of innate and acquired immune responses, which ultimately leads to inflammatory cell infiltration within the field of drug application followed by apoptosis of diseased tissue. Imiquimod does not have direct antiviral activity. Studies of mice show that imiquimod may induce cytokines, including interferon-alpha (IFNA) as well as several IFNA genes (IFNA1, IFNA2, IFNA5, IFNA6, and IFNA8) as well as the IFNB gene. Imiquimod also induced the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha genes. In the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Imiquimod appears to act as a toll-like receptor-7 agonist, and is thought to exert its anti-tumor effect via modification of the immune response and stimulation of apoptosis in BCC cells. In treating basal cell carcinoma it may increase the infiltration of lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages into the tumor lesion.
- Primary indication
- For the topical treatment of clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses on the face or scalp in immunocompetent adults.Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C14H16N4 · 240.3036 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2013 · United States, 1997 · European Union, 2016
- Code names
- R-837 · S 26308 · UGN-201
- Brand names
Resolves to
DOUYETYNHWVLEO-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC(C)CN1C=NC2=C1C1=C(C=CC=C1)N=C2NWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Imiquimod, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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