voclosporin

Voclosporin is a synthetic immunosuppressant medication used to prevent organ rejection in patients who have undergone organ transplantation. It is a calcineurin inhibitor, similar to cyclosporine, but with a different chemical structure. Voclosporin works by inhibiting the calcineurin pathway, which is involved in the activation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response. By blocking this pathway, voclosporin helps to reduce the body's immune response against the transplanted organ, thereby decreasing the risk of rejection.

Voclosporin is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally. It is usually prescribed in combination with other immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. The medication is generally well-tolerated, but like other immunosuppressants, it can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased risk of infections and cancer.

Voclosporin was approved for medical use in the United States in 2003 and is marketed under the brand name TriCor. It is also available in other countries under various brand names. The medication is typically used for a limited duration, usually for the first few months after transplantation, before being tapered off and eventually discontinued. The decision to use voclosporin is based on the individual patient's needs and the advice of their healthcare team.