Auranofin is a new oral gold-based antiarthritis drug. Auranofin inhibits various leukocyte activation pathways at multiple sites. Auranofin inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from human macrophages, basophils, and pulmonary mast cells. Auranofin is an efficient inducer of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore in the presence of calcium ions related to its inhibition of mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase.