A SERVICE OF

[return to the TNN menu]

Combination of Drugs Tested to Avoid Calcineurin Inhibitors

CHICAGO · June 1, 1998 · by TNN Medical Reporter Virginia Baskerville

Interim results of a phase II trial of a new combination of immunosuppressive drugs provide hope that the need for calcineurin inhibitors can be avoided in kidney transplant patients.

In the ongoing trial, researchers are evaluating the combined use of Zenapax (daclizumab), CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), and corticosteroids in 98 kidney recipients.

Preliminary data representing a median of 150 days of follow-up were presented at a combined meeting of the American Society of Transplant Physicians and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, as follows:

• 58% of patients remained rejection-free without the use of a calcineurin inhibitor.
• 80% (33 of 41) of first episodes of rejection were successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy. Most of these patients later received a calcineurin inhibitor.
• Median serum creatinine levels were improved in patients who did not receive calcineurin inhibitors compared to patients who received the drugs in a phase III trial of Zenapax.
• No grafts were lost due to rejection episodes. Patient survival was 100%, and graft survival was 99%.
• No unanticipated adverse events occurred.

"While further evaluation is still needed, the study results complement the findings from our phase III Zenapax study and open the door for other possible trial designs that will allow for optimal prevention of acute rejection with decreased use of more toxic drugs," said presenter Flavio Vincenti, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco.

Zenapax is made by Protein Design Labs, Inc., and is licensed by Hoffmann-LaRoche, the maker of CellCept.

Copyright © 1998 - 2000 CenterSpan

This site developed and maintained by SLACK Incorporated
Questions or comments? E-mail the Webmaster

Please be aware that medical advice, diagnoses and physician references cannot be obtained from this site.