Immunosuppressive Agents on the Horizon

Abstract

The evolution of immunosuppression in organ transplantation has resulted in decreasing rates of rejection and improved allograft survival. The current successes, however, comes at the price of intense drug monitoring, frequent adverse affects, and long-term toxicity. New immunosuppressive agents offer the hope for decreased toxicity and improved long-term results. This article highlights those novel agents that are currently in late-stage clinical studies including new calcineurin inhibitor analogs and formulations, mycophenolate acid sodium, everolimus, FK-778, FTY720, and various monoclonal antibodies. The diverse mechanisms of action of these agents, coupled with promising efficacy and adverse effect profiles, may land each of them a unique niche for immunosuppression in organ transplantation.