Q-2361

Q-2361 is a small molecule drug candidate designed to prevent and treat skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Kaposi's sarcoma, in solid organ transplant recipients. These patients are at a significantly higher risk for cutaneous malignancies due to lifelong systemic immunosuppression with tacrolimus. Q-2361 acts as a local antagonist by blocking the interaction between tacrolimus and FKBP12 within the skin. This mechanism allows for the reactivation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the rescue of keratinocyte function locally, while maintaining the systemic immunosuppression necessary to prevent organ rejection. Developed by UniQuest and the University of Queensland, Q-2361 is formulated as a topical solution that achieves high skin residence with negligible systemic absorption.