Library · Immune · Prevention of organ transplant rejection
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf, Cyclosporine, CsA, Ciclosporin
Cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant approved to prevent organ-transplant rejection and treat severe autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis by blocking calcineurin-driven T-cell activation. Effective for quick disease control but usually limited to 1–2 year courses given nephrotoxicity and hypertension risks; recent work (2020–2025) focuses on rescue-therapy use, side-effect management, and topical delivery to cut systemic exposure.
Research score 95/100. Reference only, not a dose.
Boxed warning: Risk of opportunistic infections
- Immune Boosting
- Anti-inflammatory
- Inflammation Resolution
- Anti-viral
- Anti-bacterial
- US status
- Prescription Only
- Approval
- FDA + EMA Approved
- Evidence
- FDA-approved Calcineurin inhibitor. Standard for transplant rejection prophylaxis, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Ophthalmic drops for dry eye.
- Research score
- 95 / 100
- Indication
- Multiple Approved Indications
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Source category
- Immune System
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Forms a complex with cyclophilin that inhibits calcineurin, blocking NFAT activation and nuclear entry, which suppresses IL-2 and other cytokine genes needed for T-cell proliferation; also affects B-cells, dendritic cells, P-glycoprotein expression, and calcium handling.
Safety file
Systemic use risks kidney and liver damage, high blood pressure, and higher infection/cancer risk (skin cancer, lymphoma); ophthalmic use is mostly safe, causing mild burning or stinging.
- Nephrotoxicity
- Hypertension
- Tremor
- Hirsutism
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Increased infection risk
- Hepatotoxicity