Ranolazine--a new drug with beneficial effects on renal preservation

Ranolazine is a new drug with a novel mode of action as a metabolic modulator and membrane stabilizer. In this prospective randomized double-blind trial, a porcine model of renal autotransplantation was used to assess the effects of this drug during preservation and reperfusion of kidneys cold-stored for 24 hr in phosphate-buffered sucrose (PBS140). Three groups of 10 animals were compared: a Placebo group (placebo given intravenously to the animal before nephrectomy, added to the preservation solution, and given again to the animal during reperfusion); a Storage group (Ranolazine before and during storage, placebo during reperfusion); and a Reperfusion group (placebo before and during storage, Ranolazine during reperfusion). Detailed analysis of posttransplant renal function was carried out over a 14-day follow-up period. There were 7 deaths with primary nonfunction: 2 Placebo, 1 Storage, 4 Reperfusion. Analysis of the whole group and separate analysis of the survivors demonstrated significantly improved glomerular (P less than 0.05), tubular (P less than 0.05), and loop of Henle (P less than 0.05) function in the Storage group. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the beneficial effects of Ranolazine during the storage phase of porcine renal preservation, and further investigation of this drug is warranted.