Sirolimus, a new, potent immunosuppressive agent.

Sirolimus (SRL), a potent immunosuppressant, is currently being investigated in phase III trials for prophylaxis of renal transplant rejection. The mechanism of action of SRL is a blockade of the response of T and B cells to cytokines, thereby preventing cell cycle progression in G1 and consequently cell proliferation. There seems to be a good correlation between SRL concentrations, estimated as exposure by the area under the concentration versus time curve, and trough whole blood concentration, so that therapeutic monitoring may be done by trough levels only. Because of the low frequency of allograft rejection, there has been no documented correlation between trough concentrations and efficacy. Trough SRL concentrations of 15 ng/ml or higher seem to be associated with an increased frequency of adverse effects. Drug-associated toxicities include thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The drug has synergy with cyclosporine (CsA) in vitro as well as in animal and clinical studies. In phase II trials the combination of SRL-CsA therapy reduced the frequency of acute rejection episodes, permit withdrawal of concomitant corticosteroid therapy, and allowed reduction of CsA dosages in nonblack patients.