Newer Immunosuppressive Agents and Their Place in Current Practice

Overview

The last decade has witnessed an expansion of the arsenal of new immunosuppressive agents to include severalnovel drugs and antibodies. The main indication of all these immunosuppressive agents is organ transplantation. Interms of its action, tacrolimus resembles cyclosporin A and is employed as the mainstay immunosuppressant or forwhat is referred to as rescue therapy in refractory rejection. Mycophenolate mofetil is an anti-metabolite replacingazathioprine in immunosuppressive protocols. Sirolimus is an agent for prophylactic use, either as part of a cyclo-sporin-based regimen to enhance the effect of cyclosporin or as an alternative of non-nephrotoxic immunosuppressionto cyclosporin-based regimens; its indications are still being specified. Gusperimus could be used for anti-rejectiontherapy; however, it is not being used in this country as yet. Recently, two monoclonal antibodies against the IL-2receptor, chimeric basiliximab and humanized daclizumab, have been employed. Both agents are of non-depletiontype and are indicated for induction therapy in the early post-transplant period.

Key words:
renal transplantation, rejection, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, sirolimus, gusperimus, basilixi-