Last reviewed · How we verify
Cyclosporine (Neoral)
Cyclosporine inhibits T-cell activation by binding to cyclophilin and blocking calcineurin-mediated transcription of interleukin-2 and other cytokines.
Cyclosporine inhibits T-cell activation by binding to cyclophilin and blocking calcineurin-mediated transcription of interleukin-2 and other cytokines. Used for Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis (kidney, heart, liver, pancreas), Severe active rheumatoid arthritis, Severe psoriasis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Cyclosporine (Neoral) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Neoral |
| Sponsor | Novartis |
| Drug class | Calcineurin inhibitor |
| Target | Calcineurin (via cyclophilin binding) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Cyclosporine forms a complex with the intracellular protein cyclophilin, which then inhibits the phosphatase calcineurin. This prevents dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells), thereby suppressing the transcription of IL-2 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines essential for T-cell proliferation and activation. The result is potent immunosuppression without direct cytotoxicity.
Approved indications
- Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis (kidney, heart, liver, pancreas)
- Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe psoriasis
- Nephrotic syndrome (minimal change disease)
- Severe atopic dermatitis
- Uveitis
Common side effects
- Nephrotoxicity/renal dysfunction
- Hypertension
- Tremor
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Hirsutism
- Headache
- Infection (opportunistic)
- Hyperkalemia
- Neurotoxicity (encephalopathy)
Key clinical trials
- Radiation- and Alkylator-free Bone Marrow Transplantation Regimen for Patients With Dyskeratosis Congenita (PHASE2)
- Campath/Fludarabine/Melphalan Transplant Conditioning for Non-Malignant Diseases (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Rituximab Plus Cyclosporine in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (PHASE2)
- Letermovir Prophylaxis in Children With EBV-Positive T/NK-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disease and Refractory/Relapsed EBV-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (NA)
- A Study to Evaluate Axatilimab Versus Best Available Therapy in Participants With Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease After at Least 2 Prior Lines of Systemic Therapy (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate Axatilimab Versus Best Available Therapy in Pediatric Participants With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease After at Least 2 Prior Lines of Systemic Therapy (AGAVE-256) (PHASE2)
- Study on the Efficacy and Safety of the TmBU Conditioning Regimen in High-risk or Relapsed/Refractory Acute Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Effect of Anti-Psoriatic Biologics on Risk of Anogenital Warts (CONDYPSO)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Cyclosporine (Neoral) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Cyclosporine (Neoral) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Novartis portfolio CI