Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Lupkynis (voclosporin), a first-ever oral therapy for lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease) in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy, it was reported on Friday.

The firm had earlier reported positive data from a late-stage clinical study that indicated that the product was superior to standard of care for treating lupus nephritis.

The product is an immunosuppressant drug that binds to the enzyme calcineurin and blocks T cells from triggering an autoimmune response, decreasing inflammation in the kidneys.