Last reviewed 2026-05-23 · How we verify

Tacrollimus Topical

Al-Azhar University · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Tacrollimus Topical is a Calcineurin inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by Al-Azhar University. It is currently FDA-approved for Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Vitiligo, Lichen planus. Also known as: Group II.

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses T-cell activation and proliferation by blocking the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Tacrolimus Topical is a topical treatment that has been studied for the condition Oral Lichen Planus. The exact mechanism of action of Tacrolimus Topical is unknown.

At a glance

Generic name	Tacrollimus Topical
Also known as	Group II
Sponsor	Al-Azhar University
Drug class	Calcineurin inhibitor
Target	Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B)
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Dermatology/Immunology
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Tacrolimus binds to the immunophilin FKBP12 and inhibits calcineurin phosphatase, preventing dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells). This blocks the production of IL-2 and other cytokines essential for T-cell proliferation. When applied topically, it reduces local immune-mediated inflammation in the skin without systemic immunosuppression.

Approved indications

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Vitiligo
Lichen planus
Other inflammatory skin conditions

Common side effects

Burning or stinging sensation at application site
Pruritus
Erythema
Headache

Key clinical trials

The Efficacy of Selenium as an Alternative or Complementary Topical Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus (PHASE4)

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:

Tacrollimus Topical CI brief — competitive landscape report
Tacrollimus Topical updates RSS · CI watch RSS
Al-Azhar University portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Tacrollimus Topical

What is Tacrollimus Topical?

Tacrollimus Topical is a Calcineurin inhibitor drug developed by Al-Azhar University, indicated for Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Vitiligo, Lichen planus.

How does Tacrollimus Topical work?

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses T-cell activation and proliferation by blocking the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

What is Tacrollimus Topical used for?

Tacrollimus Topical is indicated for Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Vitiligo, Lichen planus, Other inflammatory skin conditions.

Who makes Tacrollimus Topical?

Tacrollimus Topical is developed and marketed by Al-Azhar University (see full Al-Azhar University pipeline at /company/al-azhar-university).

Is Tacrollimus Topical also known as anything else?

Tacrollimus Topical is also known as Group II.

What drug class is Tacrollimus Topical in?

Tacrollimus Topical belongs to the Calcineurin inhibitor class. See all Calcineurin inhibitor drugs at /class/calcineurin-inhibitor.

What development phase is Tacrollimus Topical in?

Tacrollimus Topical is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Tacrollimus Topical?

Common side effects of Tacrollimus Topical include Burning or stinging sensation at application site, Pruritus, Erythema, Headache.

What does Tacrollimus Topical target?

Tacrollimus Topical targets Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B) and is a Calcineurin inhibitor.

Drug class: All Calcineurin inhibitor drugs
Target: All drugs targeting Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B)
Manufacturer: Al-Azhar University — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Dermatology/Immunology
Indication: Drugs for Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Indication: Drugs for Vitiligo
Indication: Drugs for Lichen planus
Also known as: Group II

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing