This technology includes a small molecule drug (VDAC inhibitor, also known as VBIT4) that may be useful for inhibiting lupus disease. To test lupus animal model, VBIT4 was continuously administered for 5 weeks to mice and there was no mortality or clinical symptoms in these animals. Additionally, VBIT4 treatment blocked the development of skin lesions and alopecia of the ears and face, and suppressed the thickening of the epidermis that accompanies leukocyte infiltration. Supporting these results, VBIT4 treatment reduced both spleen and lymph node weight, as well as significantly diminished the typical symptoms of lupus. Our findings demonstrated that VBIT4 may be an effective drug for the treatment of lupus.