Early Conversion to Once-Daily MeltDose^® Extended-Release Tacrolimus (LCPT) in Liver Transplant Patients

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Liver transplant (LT) recipients often switch from immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac) to extended-release tacrolimus (LCPT).
• This switch is known to be safe, well-tolerated, and improves adherence and renal function.
• Early LCPT initiation post-LT is hypothesized to enhance long-term patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of early switching to LCPT in a large cohort of liver transplant recipients.
• To assess the impact of early LCPT on allograft function, adverse events, rejection, renal function, metabolism, and adherence.

Main Methods:

• A single-center observational study of 100 liver transplant recipients.
• Patients were switched to LCPT, with 56% switched within 4 weeks post-transplantation.
• Evaluated outcomes over 24 months, including liver/renal function, adverse events, rejection, and adherence.

Main Results:

• Adverse events were observed in 90% of patients; renal insufficiency/failure occurred in 7% and 5%, respectively.
• Graft rejection (3%) and transplant failure (1%) were low.
• Early LCPT switch improved liver enzymes and decreased serum creatinine in patients with suboptimal baseline function (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Early switching to LCPT in liver transplant recipients is safe and effective.
• This strategy shows particular benefit for patients with suboptimal liver and renal function post-transplantation.
• LCPT demonstrates sustained efficacy and good adherence in the long term.