Library · Immune · Treatment of lupus nephritis in adults
Voclosporin
ISA247, Luveniq, LX211
An oral calcineurin inhibitor, FDA-approved in January 2021 as the first oral therapy specifically for active lupus nephritis in adults, used alongside background immunosuppression. Based on the AURORA 1 trial and confirmed by 2024 AURORA 2 extension data showing durable three-year efficacy and safety.
Research score 95/100. Reference only, not a dose.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of developing malignancies and serious infections.
- Immune Boosting
- Anti-inflammatory
- Inflammation Resolution
- Kidney Protection
- US status
- FDA Approved
- Approval
- FDA Approved (2021); EMA Approved (2022)
- Evidence
- Positive Phase 3 (AURORA-1) and long-term extension (AURORA-2) trials for lupus nephritis. Included in EULAR and KDIGO clinical guidelines.
- Research score
- 95 / 100
- Indication
- Lupus Nephritis
- Origin
- Canada
- Source category
- Immune System
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Binds cyclophilin A to inhibit calcineurin, blocking NFAT activation and the transcription of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, suppressing T-cell activation and kidney inflammation; may also reduce protein in urine by stabilizing kidney podocytes directly.
Safety file
Good tolerability profile with monitoring.
- Hypertension
- Decreased kidney function (nephrotoxicity)
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Anemia
- Cough
- Urinary tract infection
- Abdominal pain
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
- Malignancies (lymphoma, skin cancer)
- Hypertrichosis
- Gingival swelling