Compound Monograph
Ciclosporin
Ciclosporin is a cyclic peptide from a soil fungus, used medically as a powerful immunosuppressant.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Ciclosporin is a naturally occurring cyclic peptide, found in Soil fungus. It is flagged as toxic.
Research & Evidence
Ciclosporin is a cyclic peptide of eleven amino acids originally isolated from the soil fungus Tolypocladium inflatum. It is a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses the activation of T-lymphocytes, and its discovery transformed organ transplantation by sharply reducing graft rejection. It is also used to treat a range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It is a prescription-only medicine used under close medical supervision.
Toxicity & Safety
Ciclosporin has a narrow therapeutic window and significant toxicity, most notably kidney damage (nephrotoxicity), high blood pressure, tremor, and increased susceptibility to infection from immune suppression. Blood levels are routinely monitored, and it interacts with many other drugs and with grapefruit juice, which affect how it is metabolised. It must only be used under medical direction.