voclosporin (Qilu Pharmaceutical)

Voclosporin (QLG1074) is an oral calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) developed by Qilu Pharmaceutical for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). It is a structural analog of cyclosporine A with a modified side chain that enhances its potency and provides a more predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. By inhibiting calcineurin, the drug prevents the dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), thereby blocking T-cell activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). In addition to its immunosuppressive effects, voclosporin is thought to stabilize renal podocytes, which helps reduce proteinuria. Qilu Pharmaceutical is currently evaluating QLG1074 in Phase 3 clinical trials in China as a combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids for patients with active lupus nephritis.

Other names

voclosporin