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Tacrolimus in liver transplantation.
1Division of Renal and Liver Services, St James's University Hospital, Lincoln Wing, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Tacrolimus is a highly effective immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation. Clinical data suggests a favorable risk-benefit balance for tacrolimus compared to other immunosuppressants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Tacrolimus, discovered in 1984, is a potent immunosuppressant.
- It inhibits T-cell mediated immunity and B-cell humoral immunity.
- Approved by the FDA in 1994 for liver transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review tacrolimus's clinical role.
- To compare tacrolimus with cyclosporin, its main competitor.
- To familiarize readers with evidence from major clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data.
- Comparison of tacrolimus and cyclosporin efficacy and safety.
- Analysis of risk-benefit balance.
Main Results:
- Tacrolimus is a highly effective immunosuppressive agent.
- More comparative clinical data exists for tacrolimus than predecessors.
- The risk-benefit balance is considered favorable for tacrolimus.
Conclusions:
- Tacrolimus represents a major advancement in transplantation.
- Long-term follow-up data is expected to further clarify benefits.
- Tacrolimus offers a favorable risk-benefit profile in immunosuppression.