Lupkynis (Voclosporin)
Calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of lupus nephritis in adults
Quick Facts About Lupkynis
Key Takeaways About Lupkynis
- Targeted kidney protection: Lupkynis is specifically approved for lupus nephritis and works by reducing the immune attack on the kidneys while also directly stabilizing kidney cells called podocytes
- Combination therapy: Lupkynis must always be used together with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for optimal results in treating lupus nephritis
- Twice-daily dosing: Take three capsules (23.7 mg total) by mouth twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart, with or without food
- Regular monitoring needed: Your doctor will check your blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels regularly throughout treatment
- Avoid grapefruit: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during treatment as it can increase voclosporin levels and the risk of side effects
What Is Lupkynis and What Is It Used For?
Lupkynis (voclosporin) is an immunosuppressive medication belonging to the calcineurin inhibitor class. It is approved for the treatment of active lupus nephritis in adults aged 18 years and older, used in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids as part of a background immunosuppressive regimen.
Lupkynis contains the active substance voclosporin, a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor specifically developed and studied for the treatment of lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. When this immune attack targets the kidneys, it causes inflammation that can lead to progressive kidney damage, protein leakage in the urine (proteinuria), swollen legs and ankles, high blood pressure, fatigue, and ultimately kidney failure if left untreated.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America and the World Health Organization, approximately 50–60% of adults with SLE will develop some degree of kidney involvement during the course of their disease. Lupus nephritis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients, and without effective treatment, up to 25% of patients may progress to end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplantation within 10 years of diagnosis.
Voclosporin is structurally related to cyclosporine, a well-established calcineurin inhibitor that has been used in transplant medicine and autoimmune diseases for decades. However, voclosporin was designed with key modifications to its molecular structure that provide more predictable pharmacokinetics, meaning the drug behaves more consistently in the body. This improved predictability allows for fixed dosing without the need for routine therapeutic drug monitoring, which is a significant advantage over older calcineurin inhibitors.
How Lupkynis Works
The mechanism of action of voclosporin involves two complementary pathways that work together to protect the kidneys in lupus nephritis. First, voclosporin binds to an intracellular protein called cyclophilin A, forming a drug-protein complex. This complex then inhibits the enzyme calcineurin, which is essential for activating T-lymphocytes, a key type of immune cell involved in the autoimmune attack on the kidneys. By blocking calcineurin, voclosporin prevents the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of a transcription factor called NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells), which in turn reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). This dampening of the immune response helps to reduce kidney inflammation.
The second pathway involves a direct effect on kidney cells called podocytes. Podocytes are specialized cells that form part of the kidney's filtration barrier, and damage to these cells is a major contributor to proteinuria in lupus nephritis. Voclosporin helps stabilize the actin cytoskeleton of podocytes, which strengthens the filtration barrier and reduces protein leakage into the urine. This dual mechanism—immune suppression combined with direct podocyte protection—is what makes voclosporin particularly well-suited for treating lupus nephritis.
The clinical effectiveness of Lupkynis was demonstrated in the pivotal AURORA 1 clinical trial, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 357 patients with active lupus nephritis. Patients who received voclosporin in addition to mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose corticosteroids achieved significantly higher rates of complete renal response at 52 weeks compared to those receiving placebo plus the same background therapy. The AURORA 1 trial showed a complete renal response rate of 40.8% in the voclosporin group versus 22.5% in the placebo group, representing a clinically meaningful improvement. These results were further supported by the AURORA 2 long-term extension study, which confirmed sustained benefit over a two-year treatment period.
Lupkynis is not a standalone treatment for lupus nephritis. It must always be used as part of a combination regimen with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Your doctor will also typically prescribe low-dose corticosteroids, particularly during the early phase of treatment. The goal of therapy is to achieve complete renal response, defined as a reduction in proteinuria to normal levels and stabilization or improvement of kidney function.
What Should You Know Before Taking Lupkynis?
Before starting Lupkynis, your doctor will assess your kidney function, blood pressure, potassium levels, and screen for infections. Lupkynis must not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or clarithromycin. Special caution is needed in patients with risk factors for infections, hypertension, or QT prolongation.
Lupkynis is a potent immunosuppressive medication that requires careful evaluation before treatment begins. Your healthcare team will conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history, current medications, and overall health to ensure that the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks. Understanding the contraindications, warnings, and precautions associated with voclosporin is essential for safe and effective use.
Contraindications
You must not take Lupkynis if:
- You are allergic (hypersensitive) to voclosporin or any of the other ingredients in the capsules (listed in the composition section below)
- You are currently taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including oral ketoconazole (used for Cushing's syndrome), itraconazole (used for fungal infections), or clarithromycin (an antibiotic). These medications dramatically increase voclosporin levels in the body, which can lead to serious toxicity
- You have a history of severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to soy or peanuts, as the capsules may contain trace amounts of soy lecithin
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lupkynis if any of the following apply to you:
- Worsening kidney disease: If your kidney function declines during treatment, your doctor may need to adjust or discontinue the dose. Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood tests is essential throughout the course of therapy
- High blood pressure: Voclosporin can cause or worsen hypertension. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure every two weeks during the first month and regularly thereafter. You may be prescribed blood pressure-lowering medication, or your doctor may advise stopping Lupkynis if blood pressure cannot be adequately controlled
- Elevated potassium levels: Lupkynis can increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can be dangerous if untreated. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels through regular blood tests during treatment
- Risk of infections: Because Lupkynis suppresses the immune system, you are at increased risk of developing infections, some of which can be serious or life-threatening. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Nervous system effects: Lupkynis can increase the risk of neurological conditions including headache, tremor, visual changes, seizures, confusion, or weakness in one or more parts of the body. If you experience any new or worsening neurological symptoms, your doctor may need to adjust or stop treatment
- QT prolongation: Voclosporin may affect the heart's electrical activity, potentially causing a heart rhythm abnormality called QT prolongation. Early symptoms include dizziness and fainting. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems or are taking other medications that can affect heart rhythm
- Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA): In rare cases, calcineurin inhibitors have been associated with PRCA, a condition where the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells. Risk factors include previous infection with parvovirus B19 or prior treatments that may cause this condition
- Cancer risk: Long-term immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancer. You should limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor regularly
- Vaccination: If you are planning to receive a vaccine or have been vaccinated within the past 30 days, inform your doctor. Lupkynis may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, and vaccination during treatment may produce a weaker immune response. Live vaccines should generally be avoided during immunosuppressive therapy
Immunosuppressive medications like Lupkynis increase the risk of serious infections and certain cancers. Your doctor will monitor you regularly, but you should report any signs of infection (fever, persistent cough, unusual fatigue) or unusual skin changes (new moles, sores that do not heal) promptly. Limit sun exposure and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, talk to your doctor before taking Lupkynis. The following considerations apply:
- Pregnancy: Lupkynis is not recommended during pregnancy or for women of childbearing potential who are not using effective contraception. The effects of voclosporin on the developing fetus have not been adequately studied in humans, and animal studies have suggested potential risks. If you discover that you are pregnant while taking Lupkynis, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the best course of action
- Breastfeeding: Voclosporin may pass into breast milk, and it is not known whether this could affect your nursing infant. Your doctor will discuss with you whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to stop taking Lupkynis, weighing the importance of the medication for your health against the potential risk to your baby
- Fertility: There are currently no data on the effects of voclosporin on human fertility
Children and Adolescents
Lupkynis is not approved for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of voclosporin have not been studied in the pediatric population. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18.
Elderly Patients
Lupkynis is not recommended for patients over 75 years of age, as the drug has not been studied in this age group. For elderly patients between 65 and 75 years, your doctor will carefully evaluate the benefits and risks before prescribing this medication.
Liver Disease
Lupkynis has not been studied in patients with severe liver problems and is therefore not recommended for these patients. If you have moderate liver impairment, your doctor may need to adjust your dose. Inform your doctor about any liver conditions before starting treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Lupkynis is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you experience side effects such as headache, tremor, or visual changes, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Each Lupkynis capsule contains 21.6 mg of alcohol (ethanol) and 28.7 mg of sorbitol. A standard dose of three capsules therefore contains 64.8 mg of ethanol, which is equivalent to less than 2 ml of beer or 1 ml of wine. This small amount of alcohol is not expected to produce any noticeable effects. The capsules may also contain trace amounts of soy lecithin. If you have a history of anaphylactic reactions to soy or peanuts, do not take this medication.
How Does Lupkynis Interact with Other Drugs?
Lupkynis has significant interactions with many common medications. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) are contraindicated. Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, certain blood pressure medications, statins, anticoagulants, and anticonvulsants may all interact with voclosporin, requiring dose adjustments or avoidance.
Voclosporin is primarily metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4 in the liver and is also a substrate of the drug transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 can significantly alter voclosporin blood levels, either increasing the risk of toxicity or reducing therapeutic effectiveness. Additionally, voclosporin itself can inhibit P-gp and certain other drug transporters, potentially increasing the blood levels of co-administered medications. It is critical to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and dietary supplements.
Contraindicated Combinations
The following medications must not be taken together with Lupkynis due to the risk of dangerous increases in voclosporin levels:
- Ketoconazole tablets (used for Cushing's syndrome)
- Itraconazole (used for fungal infections)
- Clarithromycin (an antibiotic used for bacterial infections)
Major Interactions
| Interacting Drug/Class | Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Fluconazole | Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor; increases voclosporin blood levels | Use with caution; dose reduction may be required |
| Diltiazem, Verapamil | Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors; increase voclosporin levels and may have additive effects on blood pressure | Avoid or use alternative blood pressure medication |
| Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital | Strong CYP3A4 inducers; significantly reduce voclosporin blood levels | May reduce efficacy; discuss alternatives with doctor |
| Rifampicin | Strong CYP3A4 inducer; dramatically reduces voclosporin levels | Avoid combination; voclosporin may be ineffective |
| St. John’s Wort | Herbal CYP3A4 inducer; reduces voclosporin levels | Do not use during Lupkynis treatment |
| Efavirenz | CYP3A4 inducer used in HIV treatment; reduces voclosporin levels | Discuss alternative antiretroviral therapy with doctor |
| Digoxin | P-gp substrate; voclosporin may increase digoxin levels | Monitor digoxin levels closely; dose adjustment may be needed |
| Dabigatran etexilate | P-gp substrate; voclosporin may increase dabigatran levels, raising bleeding risk | Monitor for signs of bleeding; dose adjustment may be required |
| Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Pravastatin | Increased statin levels; elevated risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis | Use lowest effective statin dose; monitor for muscle pain |
| Erythromycin | CYP3A4 inhibitor and antibiotic; may increase voclosporin levels | Use with caution; consider alternative antibiotics |
| Fexofenadine | P-gp substrate; voclosporin may increase fexofenadine levels | Monitor for increased antihistamine effects |
Food Interactions
Lupkynis can be taken with or without food. However, there is one important dietary restriction:
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: You must avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with Lupkynis. Grapefruit contains compounds that inhibit CYP3A4, the enzyme responsible for breaking down voclosporin in the body. Consuming grapefruit can lead to significantly higher voclosporin blood levels, increasing the risk of serious side effects including kidney damage and dangerously high blood pressure
Before starting Lupkynis, provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are taking. Some interactions may not be listed here, and your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether any of your current medications need to be adjusted or replaced.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Lupkynis?
The recommended dose of Lupkynis is three capsules (23.7 mg) taken by mouth twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. The capsules should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. Lupkynis must always be used in combination with mycophenolate mofetil.
Lupkynis follows a straightforward fixed-dosing regimen, which is one of its advantages over older calcineurin inhibitors that require frequent blood level monitoring and dose adjustments. Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose and may adjust it based on your kidney function and any side effects you experience. Always take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Adults
Standard Adult Dosage
The recommended dose is three capsules (23.7 mg total) taken twice daily by mouth. Take your doses approximately 12 hours apart, as close to the same times each day as possible (for example, at 8:00 in the morning and 8:00 in the evening). The capsules must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or opened. They can be taken with or without food. Each daily dose of six capsules provides a total of 47.4 mg of voclosporin per day.
Your doctor may reduce the dose or temporarily stop treatment if you develop significant side effects, worsening kidney function, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Do not adjust the dose on your own without consulting your doctor.
Children
Pediatric Use
Lupkynis is not approved for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of voclosporin have not been established in the pediatric population. Do not administer this medication to anyone under 18.
Elderly
Elderly Patients
Lupkynis is not recommended for patients over 75 years of age as it has not been studied in this age group. For patients aged 65–75, your doctor will carefully evaluate whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks and may monitor you more closely.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it has been less than four hours since the scheduled time. If more than four hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining a consistent dosing schedule is important for optimal effectiveness and safety.
Overdose
If you accidentally take more capsules than prescribed, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Tremor (uncontrollable shaking or trembling in one or more parts of the body)
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
There is no specific antidote for voclosporin overdose. Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms. Due to voclosporin's extensive protein binding and high molecular weight, it is unlikely to be significantly removed by dialysis.
Do not stop taking Lupkynis unless your doctor tells you to. Abruptly discontinuing immunosuppressive therapy can lead to a flare of lupus nephritis, potentially causing rapid deterioration of kidney function. If you are experiencing side effects or have concerns about your treatment, discuss them with your doctor who can help determine the safest course of action.
What Are the Side Effects of Lupkynis?
Like all medicines, Lupkynis can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects include infections, anemia, headache, high blood pressure, cough, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and changes in kidney function. Some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Side effects associated with Lupkynis range from mild and manageable to potentially serious conditions that require prompt medical intervention. Your doctor will monitor you regularly through blood tests, blood pressure measurements, and clinical assessments to detect and manage side effects early. It is important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare team promptly, as early detection and management of side effects can prevent more serious complications.
Serious Side Effects
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following, as your doctor may need to reduce your dose or stop the medication:
- Signs of serious infection: High fever, severe chills, persistent cough, breathing difficulties, or any signs of infection that do not improve
- New neurological symptoms: Seizures, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, or weakness on one side of the body, which may indicate posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
- Signs of severe allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe skin rash
Side Effects by Frequency
Very Common
May affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Infections (including symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, sneezing, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (cold-like symptoms)
- Anemia (reduced red blood cells, causing pale skin, weakness, or shortness of breath)
- Headache
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Changes in kidney function (reduced urine output, new or worsening swelling in legs or feet)
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Pneumonia (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain when breathing)
- Bacterial infections (such as urinary tract infections)
- Viral infections (such as herpes zoster/shingles)
- Gastroenteritis (stomach and intestinal inflammation)
- Influenza (flu)
- Increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
- Decreased appetite
- Tremor (involuntary shaking)
- Nausea
- Gingival hyperplasia (abnormal swelling, bleeding, or inflammation of the gums)
- Mouth ulcers
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Excessive or abnormal hair growth on any part of the body (hypertrichosis)
- Fatigue
Not Known
Frequency cannot be estimated from available data
- Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions of varying severity)
It is important to report suspected side effects after a medicine has been authorized. This allows ongoing monitoring of the medicine's benefit-risk balance. Healthcare professionals and patients can report suspected side effects to their national medicines regulatory authority (such as the EMA in Europe or the FDA in the United States).
How Should You Store Lupkynis?
Store Lupkynis in its original blister packaging in a dry place, out of reach of children. The capsules are moisture-sensitive and should not be removed from the blister until you are ready to take them. Check the expiration date before use.
Proper storage of Lupkynis is essential to maintain the medication's effectiveness and safety throughout the treatment period. Voclosporin soft capsules are sensitive to moisture and must be handled accordingly. Follow these storage guidelines carefully:
- Keep out of sight and reach of children: Store the medication in a secure location where children cannot access it
- Check the expiration date: Do not use Lupkynis after the expiration date printed on the carton and blister pack (marked “EXP”). The expiration date refers to the last day of the stated month
- Store in original blister packaging: Keep the capsules in their original blister until ready to take them. The blister packaging is designed to protect the capsules from moisture
- Protect from moisture: The capsules are moisture-sensitive. Do not store them in humid environments such as bathrooms
- Disposal: Do not dispose of unused medicines through wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. These measures help to protect the environment
What Does Lupkynis Contain?
Each Lupkynis soft capsule contains 7.9 mg of voclosporin as the active ingredient, along with several inactive ingredients including ethanol, vitamin E, polysorbate 40, and medium-chain triglycerides. The capsule shell is made of gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, and various colorants.
Lupkynis is available as pink/orange-colored soft capsules measuring approximately 13 mm × 6 mm. Each capsule contains the following components:
Active Ingredient
- Voclosporin 7.9 mg per capsule
Inactive Ingredients
Capsule contents: Ethanol, vitamin E (E307) polyethylene glycol succinate (tocopherosolan), polysorbate 40, and medium-chain triglycerides.
Capsule shell: Gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, purified water, titanium dioxide (E171), red iron oxide (E172), and yellow iron oxide (E172).
Processing aid: Soy lecithin (trace amounts may be present).
Available Pack Sizes
Lupkynis capsules are supplied in blister packs. Each blister contains 18 soft capsules. Cartons contain either 180 or 576 soft capsules. Not all pack sizes may be available in all markets.
Lupkynis capsules may contain trace amounts of soy lecithin from the manufacturing process. If you have a known history of anaphylactic (severe allergic) reactions to soy or peanuts, you must not use this medication. Speak with your doctor about alternative treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lupkynis
Lupkynis (voclosporin) is used to treat lupus nephritis in adults aged 18 years and older. Lupus nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. Lupkynis is always used in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and typically with low-dose corticosteroids as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen. The goal of treatment is to reduce proteinuria (protein leakage in urine), preserve kidney function, and achieve remission of the kidney inflammation.
Lupkynis (voclosporin) is a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor that was specifically developed and studied for lupus nephritis. Compared to cyclosporine, voclosporin has more predictable pharmacokinetics, which means it behaves more consistently in the body. This allows for fixed dosing (23.7 mg twice daily) without the need for routine therapeutic drug monitoring, which is a significant advantage. Voclosporin also has a dual mechanism of action: in addition to suppressing T-cell activation like cyclosporine, it has direct protective effects on kidney cells called podocytes, which helps reduce proteinuria.
Yes, Lupkynis can be taken with or without food. However, you must avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as grapefruit can interfere with how voclosporin is broken down in the body. This interaction can lead to dangerously high levels of the drug, increasing the risk of serious side effects. Maintain a consistent routine by taking your capsules at approximately the same times each day, about 12 hours apart.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, provided it has been less than four hours since your scheduled dosing time. If more than four hours have passed, skip the missed dose entirely and take your next dose at the regular scheduled time. Never take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. If you frequently forget doses, consider setting a reminder alarm or using a pill organizer to help maintain your dosing schedule.
While each Lupkynis capsule contains a very small amount of ethanol (21.6 mg), this is not expected to cause any noticeable effects. However, you should discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as drinking alcohol may place additional strain on the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing voclosporin. Excessive alcohol intake may also interact with other medications you are taking for lupus and could potentially worsen your overall health. Your doctor can advise you on safe alcohol consumption during treatment.
The duration of Lupkynis treatment is determined individually by your doctor based on your response to therapy, disease activity, and tolerability. In clinical trials, patients were treated for up to two years or longer. Treatment is typically continued as long as it provides benefit and you tolerate it well. Do not stop taking Lupkynis without first discussing it with your doctor, as abruptly discontinuing immunosuppressive treatment can lead to a flare of lupus nephritis and deterioration of kidney function.
References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Lupkynis (voclosporin) – Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu. Accessed January 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lupkynis (voclosporin) – Prescribing Information. Available at: www.fda.gov. Accessed January 2026.
- Rovin BH, Teng YKO, Grinyo JM, et al. Efficacy and safety of voclosporin versus placebo for lupus nephritis (AURORA 1): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021;397(10289):2070–2080. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00578-X
- Saxena A, Ginzler EM, Gibson K, et al. Safety and efficacy of long-term voclosporin treatment for lupus nephritis in the phase 3 AURORA 2 clinical trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024;76(1):59–67. doi:10.1002/art.42657
- Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases. Kidney Int. 2021;100(4S):S1–S276.
- Fanouriakis A, Kostopoulou M, Cheema K, et al. 2019 Update of the Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79(6):713–723. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-216924
- World Health Organization (WHO). Systemic lupus erythematosus – Fact sheet. Available at: www.who.int. Accessed January 2026.
- Lupus Foundation of America. Lupus Nephritis – Facts and Statistics. Available at: www.lupus.org. Accessed January 2026.
- Kurup A, Dharmashankar K, Grinyo JM, et al. Voclosporin: a novel calcineurin inhibitor for lupus nephritis – a review. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2022;18(5):283–296.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Voclosporin – Drug monograph. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed January 2026.
Editorial Team
This article was written and medically reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising board-certified physicians specializing in nephrology, rheumatology, and clinical pharmacology.
Medical Writers
Licensed physicians with expertise in nephrology and autoimmune diseases, trained in evidence-based medical communication following GRADE framework methodology.
Medical Reviewers
Board-certified specialists in nephrology and rheumatology who independently verify all medical content against current EMA SmPC, FDA prescribing information, and international guidelines (KDIGO, EULAR/ERA-EDTA).
Pharmacology Experts
Clinical pharmacologists who review drug interactions, dosage recommendations, and pharmacokinetic data for accuracy and clinical relevance.
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