Everolimus in kidney transplantation

Correspondence: Alexander wiseman Transplant Center, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Mail Stop F749, AOP 7089,1635 North Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA Tel +1 720 848 0860 Fax +1 720 848 2238 email alexander.wiseman@ucdenver.edu Abstract: Everolimus is a novel target of rapamycin (mTOR)-I analog that has recently been approved in combination with cyclosporine A and steroids for use in the prevention of organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients. Compared with rapamycin, everolimus is characterized by a shorter half-life and improved bioavailability. Prior to US Food and Drug Administration approval, a number of Phase II and III clinical trials were undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of everolimus in combination with calcineurin inhibitors for preventing acute rejection and promoting allograft survival in kidney transplant recipients. In this report, we review the pharmacokinetic properties of everolimus, the clinical efficacy studies that led to its approval for use in kidney transplantation, as well as reported data on patient safety and tolerability associated with its use.