Ketas (Ibudilast) 10 mg, 500 capsules: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Ketas (Ibudilast) 10 mg, 500 capsules. Active substance: Ибудиласт / Ibudilast.

Key facts

What ibudilast is

Ibudilast is a substance that both reduces inflammation and protects nerve cells. In Japan it is registered as a medicine and supplied in 10 mg capsules. The 500-capsule pack is meant for long-term use, which suits chronic conditions that call for an uninterrupted course.

Ibudilast is synthetic. It is used in pulmonology and neurology, and in recent years it has been studied intensively as a substance that acts on inflammation in the central nervous system.

How it works

Phosphodiesterase inhibition

Ibudilast blocks phosphodiesterase enzymes, which break down the intracellular signalling molecules cAMP and cGMP. Its highest affinity is for the PDE4 isoform.

Action in the lungs

PDE4 is active in immune cells and in the smooth muscle of the bronchi. When the enzyme is inhibited, the muscles of the airways relax and local inflammation eases. This is the basis of its use in bronchial asthma.

Action in the brain

In the central nervous system the target is the microglia, cells that release neuron-damaging substances when overactive. Ibudilast restrains that activation and thereby reduces neuroinflammation.

Approved uses

In Japan ibudilast is registered for bronchial asthma and for cerebrovascular disorders, including dizziness after a stroke. These uses rest on its anti-inflammatory and vasodilating action.

Its use in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still a subject of research rather than an approved indication. In published work ibudilast is studied as a substance that slows neuroinflammation and the loss of brain tissue linked to it.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

• Ibudilast reduces slowly enlarging lesions in progressive multiple sclerosis, PubMed 38286755 (Mult Scler, 2024).
• A comprehensive systematic review of Ibudilast as a neuroprotective therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis, PubMed 41135262 (Mult Scler Relat Disord, 2025).
• Ibudilast (MN-166) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - an open label, safety and pharmacodynamic trial, PubMed 34016561 (Neuroimage Clin, 2021).

Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.

Precautions

• This is a prescription medicine. Prescribing, dosing and monitoring belong to a physician.
• Ibudilast affects blood vessels and can lower blood pressure, so caution and medical supervision are needed if you are prone to hypotension.
• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is discussed with a doctor individually.
• Liver or kidney disease requires a physician's assessment before treatment starts.
• Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take: interactions are possible.
• Marked dizziness, weakness or unusual sensations while taking the medicine should be reported to a doctor.

Frequently asked