Four-year experience with tacrolimus once-daily prolonged release in patients from phase II conversion and de novo kidney, liver, and heart studies

Long-term Prolonged-release Tacrolimus-based Immunosuppression in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients: 5-Y Prospective Follow-up of Patients in the ADVANCE Study

Although prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) is widely approved for posttransplantation immunosuppression in kidney recipients, large-scale studies are required to assess long-term outcomes. We present follow-up data from the Advagraf-based Immunosuppression Regimen Examining New Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Kidney Transplant Recipients (ADVANCE) trial, in which kidney transplant patients (KTPs) received corticosteroid minimization with PR-T.

Methods

ADVANCE was a 24-wk, randomized, open-label, phase-4 study. De novo KTPs received PR-T with basiliximab and mycophenolate mofetil and were randomized to receive an intraoperative corticosteroid bolus plus tapered corticosteroids until day 10 (arm 1) or an intraoperative corticosteroid bolus (arm 2). In this 5-y, noninterventional follow-up, patients received maintenance immunosuppression according to standard practice. The primary endpoint was graft survival (Kaplan-Meier). Secondary endpoints included patient survival, biopsy-confirmed acute rejection-free survival, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (4-variable modification of diet in renal disease).

Results

Follow-up study included 1125 patients. Overall graft survival at 1 and 5 y posttransplantation was 93.8% and 88.1%, respectively, and was similar between treatment arms. At 1 and 5 y, patient survival was 97.8% and 94.4%, respectively. Five-year graft and patient survival rates in KTPs who remained on PR-T were 91.5% and 98.2%, respectively. Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated similar risk of graft loss and death between treatment arms. Five-year biopsy-confirmed acute rejection-free survival was 84.1%. Mean ± standard deviation values of estimated glomerular filtration rate were 52.7 ± 19.5 and 51.1 ± 22.4 mL/min/1.73 m² at 1 and 5 y, respectively. Fifty adverse drug reactions were recorded, probably tacrolimus-related in 12 patients (1.5%).

Conclusions

Graft survival and patient survival (overall and for KTPs who remained on PR-T) were numerically high and similar between treatment arms at 5 y posttransplantation.

Pharmacotherapeutic options for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection: the evidence to date

INTRODUCTION

Although early rejection episodes are successfully controlled, the problem of unrecognized production of de novo anti HLA antibodies and associated chronic rejection still persists.

AREAS COVERED

In addition to the standard induction and maintenance therapy, we present a couple of new drugs as induction (Alemtuzumab), CNI free protocol (Belatacept, Sirolimus, Everolimus), maintenance treatment in transplant patients with various type of malignancies (T cell targeted immunomodulators blocking the immune checkpoints CTLA-4, PD1/PDL1) and TMA (aHUS) -eculizimab, and IL6 receptor antagonists in antibody mediated rejection (AMR).

EXPERT OPINION

There are couple of issues still preventing improvement in kidney transplant long-term outcomes with current and anticipated future immunosuppression: patient more susceptible to infection and CNI nephrotoxicity in kidneys obtained from elderly donors, highly sensitized patients with limited chances to get appropriate kidney and a higher risk for late AMR. A lower rate of CMV/BK virus infections has been observed in everolimus treated patients. Belatacept use has been justified only in EBV seropositive kidney transplants due to the increased risk of PTLD. Eculizumab upon recurrence of aHUS is a sole cost-effective option. A new IL-6 blocking drug (clazakizumab/tocilizumab) is promising option for prevention/treatment of AMR. Clinical experience in tailoring immunosuppression for as long as possible graft and patient survival is inevitable.

Ten-Year Efficacy and Safety of Once-Daily Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant: A Prospective Cohort Study

Tacrolimus is a cornerstone in the immunosuppressive therapy of kidney transplantation. The once-daily formulation of tacrolimus has been shown to improve adherence of patients without affecting short-term efficacy. However, long-term proof of once-daily tacrolimus efficacy and safety is still lacking. From January 2009 to November 2013, 170 clinically stable kidney transplant patients were offered to change from the ongoing twice-daily tacrolimus (TDT) formulation to a once-daily tacrolimus (ODT) regimen. Kidney transplant recipients agreeing to the change to be treated with an ODT regimen (n = 105, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 57.1 ± 1.6 mL/min/1.73 m²) and patients continuing on a TDT formulation (n = 65, eGFR 52.0 ± 2.2 mL/min/1.73 m²) were prospectively followed (median follow-up time 10.4 and 12.6 years in the ODT and TDT groups, respectively, P = not significant). At the end of the follow-up, patients in both groups experienced similar eGFR (50.4 ± 2.2 vs 48.0 ± 2.7 mL/min/1.73 m² in the ODT and TDT groups, respectively, P = not significant). No differences were observed in biopsy-proven acute rejection, overall graft survival, doubling of serum creatinine, and new onset of proteinuria. The 2 groups also had a comparable rate of death, sepsis, and neoplasia. In conclusion, ODT appears safe and effective in stable kidney graft recipients even 10 years after transplantation. These findings support the use of ODT as a primary tacrolimus formulation in patients with kidney transplantation.

Adherence of Renal Transplant Recipients to Once-daily, Prolonged-Release and Twice-daily, Immediate-release Tacrolimus-based Regimens in a Real-life Setting in Sweden

BACKGROUND

In this study we investigated medication adherence of kidney transplant patients (KTPs) to an immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-T) regimen and, after conversion, to a prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) regimen in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a noninterventional, observational, multicenter Swedish study. We included adult KTPs with stable graft function, remaining on IR-T or converting from IR-T to PR-T. Data were collected at baseline, and months 3, 6, and 12 postbaseline. The primary endpoint was adherence using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Secondary assessments included tacrolimus dose and trough levels, clinical laboratory parameters (eg, estimated glomerular filtration rate), and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

RESULTS

Overall, 233 KTPs were analyzed (PR-T, n = 175; IR-T, n = 58). Mean change in PR-T dose from baseline (4.8 mg/d) to month 12 was -0.2 mg/d, and for IR-T (4.2 mg/d) was -0.4 mg/d; tacrolimus trough levels remained similar. Overall adherence was similar between baseline and month 12 in both groups (PR-T: 54.4% vs 57.0%, respectively; IR-T: 65.5% vs 69.4%); timing adherence followed a similar pattern. The probability of taking adherence improved between baseline and month 12 (odds ratio, 1.97; P = .0092) in the PR-T group only. Mean BAASIS visual analog scale score at baseline was 94.3 ± 11.1% (PR-T) and 95.3 ± 7.6% (IR-T), and >95% at subsequent visits. Laboratory parameters remained stable. Eight (4.6%) patients receiving PR-T (none receiving IR-T) had ADRs considered probably/possibly treatment-related.

CONCLUSION

Disparity existed between high, patient-perceived and low, actual adherence. Overall adherence to the immunosuppressive regimen (measured by BAASIS) did not improve significantly over 12 months in stable KTPs converting to PR-T or remaining on IR-T; renal function remained stable.

Improved Survival in Liver Transplant Patients Receiving Prolonged-release Tacrolimus-based Immunosuppression in the European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR): An Extension Study

BACKGROUND

We compared, through the European Liver Transplant Registry, long-term liver transplantation outcomes with prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) versus immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-T)-based immunosuppression. This retrospective analysis comprises up to 8-year data collected between 2008 and 2016, in an extension of our previously published study.

METHODS

Patients with <1 month follow-up were excluded; patients were propensity score matched for baseline characteristics. Efficacy measures included: univariate/multivariate analyses of risk factors influencing graft/patient survival up to 8 years posttransplantation, and graft/patient survival up to 4 years with PR-T versus IR-T. Overall, 13 088 patients were included from 44 European centers; propensity score-matched analyses comprised 3006 patients (PR-T: n = 1002; IR-T: n = 2004).

RESULTS

In multivariate analyses, IR-T-based immunosuppression was associated with reduced graft survival (risk ratio, 1.49; P = 0.0038) and patient survival (risk ratio, 1.40; P = 0.0215). There was improvement with PR-T versus IR-T in graft survival (83% versus 77% at 4 y, respectively; P = 0.005) and patient survival (85% versus 80%; P = 0.017). Patients converted from IR-T to PR-T after 1 month had a higher graft survival rate than patients receiving IR-T at last follow-up (P < 0.001), or started and maintained on PR-T (P = 0.019). One graft loss in 4 years was avoided for every 14.3 patients treated with PR-T versus IR-T.

CONCLUSIONS

PR-T-based immunosuppression might improve long-term outcomes in liver transplant recipients than IR-T-based immunosuppression.

Sequential Cohort Analysis After Liver Transplantation Shows de Novo Extended Release Tacrolimus Is Safe, Efficacious, and Minimizes Renal Dysfunction

The use of once-daily extended-release tacrolimus (ERT) is associated with improved long-term graft and patient survival when compared with twice-daily tacrolimus (BDT), but the underlying reasons for differential survival are unclear. The aim of the study was to compare clinical outcomes known to impact on posttransplant survival for de novo BDT and ERT in liver transplantation (LT) recipients.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, prospective sequential cohort analysis of adult patients undergoing LT during a change in protocol from de novo BDT to ERT, with a 6-month post-LT follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 160 transplanted patients were evaluated; 82 were in the BDT group and 78 were in the ERT group. The cohorts were matched for standard variables and a similar proportion in each group received induction interleukin-2 receptor antibody (36% and 31%). There were no significant differences in the measured outcomes of patient and graft survival, biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes, post LT diabetes, and toxicity. A significantly lower number of patients developed chronic kidney disease Stage3-4 in the ERT cohort compared with BDT cohort. In patients with pre-LT renal dysfunction who received antibody induction, estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased significantly in the BDT but not the ERT group.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that once-daily ERT is as safe and efficacious as BDT in de novo LT but optimally conserves renal function post-LT.

Long-Term Kidney Transplant Outcomes: Role of Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has significantly improved outcomes for kidney transplant patients and remains the cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy. While improvements in short-term outcomes in transplantation have been achieved in recent years, maintaining long-term graft survival remains a challenge in kidney transplantation. Minimizing risk factors for poor long-term kidney graft function and survival, and modifying tacrolimus regimens in the early and maintenance phases post-transplantation are essential to maintain long-term kidney transplant outcomes. Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic window, resulting in a tightly defined range of optimal drug exposure. Underimmunosuppression is associated with long-term risks, such as the development of donor-specific antibodies and antibody-mediated rejection, with a high possibility of a decline in kidney function and progression to graft failure. Conversely, prolonged overimmunosuppression carries a risk of drug-related adverse events. This review provides an overview of the differences in the formulation, delivery, and pharmacokinetic profiles between immediate- and prolonged-release tacrolimus and evaluates the effect of prolonged-release tacrolimus on the risk factors for poor outcomes in kidney transplantation. Recent evidence is used to provide guidance on target tacrolimus trough levels in the early and maintenance phases post-transplantation, with a view to improving long-term kidney graft function.

Clinically useful limited sampling strategy to estimate area under the concentration-time curve of once-daily tacrolimus in adult Japanese kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

An extended-release, once-daily, oral formulation of tacrolimus is currently used after kidney transplantation as a substitute for the conventional twice-daily formulation. The purpose of this study was to provide a limited sampling strategy with minimum and optimum sampling points to predict the tacrolimus area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) after administration of once-daily tacrolimus in de novo adult kidney transplant patients.

METHODS

A total of 36 adult Japanese kidney transplant patients receiving once-daily tacrolimus were included: 31 were allocated to a study group to develop limited sampling strategy (LSS) model equations based on multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, and 5 were allocated to a validation group to estimate the precision of the LSS equations developed by the study group. Twelve-hour AUC (AUC0-12) was calculated by the trapezoidal rule, and the relationship between individual concentration points and AUC0-12 were determined by multiple linear regression analysis. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to assess the goodness-of-fit of the regression models. Three error indices (mean error, mean absolute error, and root mean squared prediction error) were calculated to evaluate predictive bias, accuracy, and precision, respectively. Quality of the statistical models was compared with Akaike's information criterion (AIC).

RESULTS

A four-point model using C0, C2, C4 and C6 gave the best fit to predict AUC0-12 (R2 = 0.978). In the three- and two-point models, the best fits were at time points C2, C4, and C6 (R2 = 0.973), and C2 and C6 (R2 = 0.962), respectively. All three models reliably estimated tacrolimus AUC0-12, consistent with evaluations by the three error indices and Akaike's information criterion. Practically, the two-point model with C2 and C6 was considered to be the best combination, providing a highly accurate prediction and the lowest blood sampling frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

The two-point model with C2 and C6 may be valuable in reducing the burden on patients, as well as medical costs, for once-daily tacrolimus monitoring.

Long-term, prolonged-release tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in de novo kidney transplant recipients: 5-year prospective follow-up of the ADHERE study patients

The objectives of this study were to assess long-term graft survival, patient survival, renal function, and acute rejections in de novo kidney transplant recipients, treated with once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus-based therapy. The study was a 5-year non-interventional prospective follow-up of patients from the ADHERE study, a Phase IV 12-month open-label assessment of patients randomized to receive prolonged-release tacrolimus in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (Arm 1) or sirolimus (Arm 2). From 838 patients in the randomized study, 587 were included in the long-term follow-up, of whom 510 completed the study at year 5. At 1 year post-transplant, graft and patient survival rates were 93.0% and 97.8%, respectively, and at 5 years were 84.0% and 90.8%, respectively. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed no association between graft loss, initial randomized treatment arm, donor age, donor type, or sex. The 5-year acute rejection-free survival rate was 77.4%, and biopsy-confirmed acute rejection-free survival rate was 86.0%. Renal function remained stable over the follow-up period: mean ± SD eGFR 4-variable modification diet in renal disease formula (MDRD4) was 52.3 ± 21.6 ml/min/1.73 m² at 6 months and 52.5 ± 23.0 ml/min/1.73 m² at 5 years post-transplant. These findings support the role of long-term once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, in combination with sirolimus or MMF, for renal transplant recipients in routine clinical practice.

Once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus versus twice-daily tacrolimus in liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE

For patients who have received a kidney transplant, studies have shown that once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus (TAC) has similar efficacy and safety to standard twice-daily dosing. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety of daily TAC (TAC qd) versus standard twice-daily TAC (TAC bid) administration in liver transplantation (LT).

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for studies comparing outcomes of LT patients who received TAC qd versus TAC bid.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Results were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Six studies, which included 5179 LT recipients (TAC qd = 951; TAC bid = 4228) were included in the analysis. The TAC qd group had a low 1-year graft loss rate (OR 0.70 [95% CI 0.54-0.91], P = 0.008) and lower rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) at 90 days (OR 0.46 [95% CI 0.24-0.89], P = 0.02) compared with the TAC bid group. There was no significant difference in 1-year mortality or the incidence of adverse events after LT between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that TAC qd is safe and effective for LT patients during the first year after transplantation. Longer-term follow-up studies are necessary to determine if TAC qd is safe and effective beyond the first year after LT.

Once- vs Twice-Daily Tacrolimus: Survival Rates and Side Effects: Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine whether de novo, prolonged-release tacrolimus- (PR-tacro) based immunosuppressive regimen affected graft and patient survival when compared to an immediate-release, twice-daily, tacrolimus- (IR-tacro) based regimen in kidney transplant recipients. We also aimed to determine the difference between the frequency of side effects, including diabetes control, in study groups.

METHODS

A total of 115 standard risk kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in this single center, retrospective study. Fifty-two patients received PR-tacro and 63 patients received IR-tacro as a calcineurin inhibitor. The primary outcome measures included incidence of graft loss and delayed graft function (DGF), biopsy-proven acute rejection , graft and patient survival, and creatinine clearance. Secondary outcome measures included the incidence of non-adherence, drug-induced tremor; post-transplant diabetes mellitus diagnosis rate; and control of diabetes in pre-transplant diabetic patients.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics and mean tacrolimus trough levels were comparable between groups. Incidence of graft loss, DGF, and graft and patient survival were similar between groups (P > .05). Mean creatinine clearance level was also similar (P > .05). Mean serum levels of fasting glucose (P < .05) and A1C (P < .05) were lower in PR-tacro group when compared to IR-tacro group. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus diagnosis rate was also lower in PR-tacro group when compared to IR-tacro group (P = .040).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that there is no statistically significant difference between PR-tacro and IR-tacro in terms of patient and graft survival, DGF, and biopsy-proven acute rejection rates in kidney transplant recipients. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus frequency is lower in non-diabetic patients, and glucose metabolism control is better in diabetic patients.

A non-randomized trial of conversion from ciclosporin and tacrolimus to tacrolimus MR4 in stable long-term kidney transplant recipients: Graft function and influences of ABCB1 genotypes

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PEP Study: Ethics committee N° 393/2004, EudraCT 2004-004209-98. PEP-X Study: Ethics committee amendment application N° 154/01/2008. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03751332.

Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release versus immediate-release tacrolimus inde novoliver transplant recipients in South Korea: a randomized open-label phase 4 study (MAPLE)

Background

Prolonged-release tacrolimus is associated with better long-term graft and patient survival than the immediate-release formulation in liver transplant patients. However, no clinical data are available to assess the efficacy and safety of early conversion from twice-daily, immediate-release tacrolimus to once-daily, prolonged-release tacrolimus in de novo liver transplant recipients in Korea.

Methods

A 24-week, randomized, open-label study was conducted in 36 liver transplant recipients. All patients received immediate- release tacrolimus (0.1–0.2 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses) for 4 weeks after transplantation, at which time 50% of the patients were converted, at a ratio of 1 mg to 1 mg, to prolonged-release tacrolimus (once-daily). The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (BCAR) from weeks 4 to 24 after transplantation (per-protocol set). Medication adherence, adverse event profiles, laboratory tests, vital signs, and physical changes were also recorded.

Results

BCAR frequency at 24 weeks was similar between the two treatment groups; two cases (mean±standard deviation, 0.14±0.53 cases) of BCAR were reported in one patient treated with prolonged-release tacrolimus (n=14), while no such cases were reported among patients treated with immediate-release tacrolimus (n=12). The tacrolimus blood concentration at weeks 12 and 24, medication adherence, and adverse event profiles were also similar between the formulations, with no unusual laboratory test results, vital signs, or physical changes reported.

Conclusions

Early conversion to a simplified, once-daily, prolonged-release tacrolimus regimen may be an effective treatment option for liver transplant recipients in Korea. Larger-scale studies are warranted to confirm non-inferiority to immediate-release tacrolimus formulation in de novo liver transplant recipients.

Conversion From Immediate-Release Tacrolimus to Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus in Stable Heart Transplant Patients: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Lifelong adherence with post-transplant immunosuppression is challenging, with nonadherence associated with greater acute rejection (AR) risk.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated conversion from immediate-release tacrolimus (IRT) to prolonged-release tacrolimus (PRT), between January 2008 and December 2012 in stable adult heart transplant recipients. Cumulative incidence rate (IR) of AR and infection pre- and postconversion, safety, tacrolimus dose and trough levels, concomitant immunosuppression, and PRT discontinuation were analyzed (intention-to-treat population).

RESULTS

Overall, 467 patients (mean age, 59.3 [SD, 13.3] years) converted to PRT at 5.1 (SD, 4.9) years post transplant and were followed for 3.4 (SD, 1.5) years. During the 6 months post conversion, 5 patients (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.35%-2.48%) had an AR episode and IR was 2.2/100 patient-years (95% CI, 0.91-5.26). Incidence of rejection preconversion varied by time from transplant to conversion. Infection IR was similar post- and preconversion (9.2/100 patient-years [95% CI, 7.4-11.3] vs 10.6/100 patient-years [95% CI, 8.8-12.3], respectively; P = .20). Safety variables remained similar post conversion. The IR of mortality/graft loss was 2.3/100 patient-years (95% CI, 1.7-3.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion from IRT to PRT in heart transplant recipients in Spain was associated with no new safety concerns and appropriate immunosuppressive effectiveness.

Real-World Study of Once-Daily, Extended-Release Tacrolimus Versus Twice-Daily, Immediate-Release Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplantation: Clinical Outcomes and Healthcare Resource Utilization

INTRODUCTION

Real-world data with extended-release tacrolimus (ER-T) are lacking in the USA. This study examined clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization in kidney transplant patients receiving ER-T in clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center analysis (February-June 2016) using data from Northwestern University's Enterprise Data Warehouse. Adult patients receiving a kidney transplant in the preceding 4 years, treated de novo or converted to ER-T from immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-T) within 10 days post-transplantation, and maintained on ER-T (at least 3 months) were included. Patients were matched for demographic and clinical characteristics with IR-T-treated control patients. Endpoints included clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization up to 1 year post-transplantation.

RESULTS

A total of 19 ER-T-treated patients were matched with 55 IR-T-treated patients. No ER-T-treated patients experienced biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (BCAR) or graft failure versus 3 (5.5%) and 3 (5.5%) IR-T-treated patients, respectively. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the number of all-cause outpatient visits, readmissions, and all-cause hospitalization days were comparable between groups. Tacrolimus trough levels, days to target level (6-10 ng/mL), and number of required dose adjustments were also similar.

CONCLUSION

Real-world clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization were similar with ER-T and IR-T. Larger studies will need to investigate the trend toward fewer BCAR events, and increased graft survival with ER-T.

FUNDING

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc. Plain language summary available for this article.

Pharmacokinetic Profile of Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus When Administered via Nasogastric Tube in De Novo Liver Transplantation: A Sub-Study of the DIAMOND Trial

Background

For patients unable to swallow during the immediate post-transplant period, immunosuppressant therapy may be initiated by administering prolonged-release tacrolimus as a suspension via a nasogastric tube.

Material/Methods

In this sub-study of the DIAMOND randomized controlled trial of prolonged-release tacrolimus in de novo liver transplant recipients, we investigated the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of prolonged-release tacrolimus when administered via nasogastric tube immediately post-transplant. PK analyses were performed on whole-blood samples collected on Day 1 of tacrolimus administration and on Day 3 post-transplantation. Endpoints included AUC_0–24, C_max, T_max, and C_min.

Results

In total, 10 patients were included in the PK sub-study. The overall mean daily dose of prolonged-release tacrolimus administered via nasogastric tube was higher on Day 1 (0.179 mg/kg) vs. Day 3 (0.140 mg/kg). Mean AUC_0–24 was higher and less variable on Day 3 vs. Day 1 (AUC_0–24 (coefficient of variation; CV): 301 (50.8) vs. 193 (94.5) ng·h/mL). Mean C_max was lower and median T_max was shorter on Day 1 vs. Day 3 (C_max (CV): 15.1 (73.9) vs. 19.1 (47.9) ng/mL; T_max (range): 2.0 (2.0–24.0) vs. 4.5 (0.5–24.0) h). A similar pattern was also observed when data were normalized for dose and body weight.

Conclusions

In contrast to previously reported findings in healthy volunteers, nasogastric administration of prolonged-release tacrolimus suspension in liver transplant patients did not substantially affect the PK profile of tacrolimus vs. intact capsules. Nasogastric administration is thus a feasible option to ensure appropriate early tacrolimus exposure in de novo liver transplant recipients.

Safety and Efficacy of Reduced Prolonged-release Tacrolimus Exposure in De Novo Kidney Transplantation: A Randomized, Open-label, Pilot Study in Asia-OPTIMIZE Study

Background

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel group, pilot, 52-week study in Asian countries that assessed the renal function, efficacy, and safety of reduced-exposure versus standard-exposure prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) in adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

Methods

Posttransplantation, KTRs received PR-T from weeks 0 to 4 (initial dose, 0.2-0.3 mg/kg; target trough level, 6-10 ng/mL). At week 4, KTRs were randomized (1:1) to receive reduced-exposure PR-T (target 4-6 ng/mL, weeks 4-12; 3-5 ng/mL, weeks 12-52) or standard-exposure PR-T (target: 6-10 ng/mL, weeks 4-52). Primary end point: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 52 weeks. Secondary end points (week 52) included creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, graft/patient survival, biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (AR), composite of graft loss/patient death/biopsy-confirmed AR, and steroid-resistant AR. Treatment-emergent adverse events were recorded.

Results

Sixty-six KTRs received PR-T (reduced-exposure, n = 32; standard-exposure, n = 34) and were analyzed. After per-protocol dose adjustment, mean ± standard deviation tacrolimus trough level was lower with reduced- versus standard-exposure PR-T (week 52, 4.5 ± 1.1 ng/mL vs 8.0 ± 2.2 ng/mL). In the reduced- versus standard-exposure group, eGFR was similar at weeks 8 to 52 (overall least-square mean difference, -2.82; 95% confidence interval, -7.91 to 2.27; P = 0.272). At week 52, there was no significant difference in creatinine clearance (P = 0.375) or serum creatinine (P = 0.547) between groups. All grafts/patients survived, no steroid-resistant AR was reported, and 4 and 3 patients had AR in reduced- and standard-exposure groups, respectively. Drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 34.4% and 38.2% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Reducing exposure to PR-T resulted in a clinically acceptable short-term safety profile and was generally as effective as standard tacrolimus exposure for Asian patients.

Once-daily, prolonged-release tacrolimus vs twice-daily, immediate-release tacrolimus in de novo living-donor liver transplantation: A Phase 4, randomized, open-label, comparative, single-center study

Randomized, open-label, comparative, single-center, Phase 4, 24-week study comparing pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and efficacy of once-daily, prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) with twice-daily, immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-T) in adult de novo living-donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients in Korea. All patients received intravenous tacrolimus from Day 0 (transplantation) for 4 days and were randomized (1:1) to receive oral PR-T or IR-T from Day 5. PK profiles were taken on Days 6 and 21. Primary endpoint: area under the concentration-time curve over 24 hour (AUC_0-24 ). Predefined similarity interval for confidence intervals of ratios: 80%-125%. Secondary endpoints included: tacrolimus concentration at 24 hour (C₂₄ ), patient/graft survival, biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (BCAR), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). One-hundred patients were included (PR-T, n = 50; IR-T, n = 50). Compared with IR-T, 40% and 66% higher mean PR-T daily doses resulted in similar AUC_0-24 between formulations on Day 6 (PR-T:IR-T ratio of means 96.8%), and numerically higher AUC_0-24 with PR-T on Day 21 (128.8%), respectively. Linear relationship was similar between AUC_0-24 and C₂₄ , and formulations. No graft loss/deaths, incidence of BCAR and TEAEs similar between formulations. Higher PR-T vs IR-T doses were required to achieve comparable systemic exposure in Korean de novo LDLT recipients. PR-T was efficacious; no new safety signals were detected.

Immunosuppression Adherence in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients Converted From Immediate- to Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus in Clinical Practice: A Norwegian Study

Background

This study investigated medication adherence in kidney transplant patients (KTPs) converted from immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-T) to prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T)-based immunosuppression in routine practice.

Methods

Noninterventional, observational, multicenter study in Norway. Included adult KTPs with stable graft function, converted from IR-T (baseline) to PR-T (1 mg:1 mg) in routine practice. Data were collected at baseline, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12 postconversion. Primary endpoint: adherence using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale. Secondary assessments: tacrolimus dose and trough levels (target, 3-7 ng/mL), clinical laboratory parameters (eg, estimated glomerular filtration rate [Modified Diet in Renal Disease]), and adverse events.

Results

Ninety-one KTPs (mean ± SD age 47.7 ± 14.3 years) were analyzed. Mean ± SD change in PR-T dose from baseline (4.4 ± 2.4 mg/d) to month 12 was −0.1 ± 0.9 mg/d; mean tacrolimus trough levels remained within target. Overall medication adherence increased from 45.6% at baseline to 58.1% at month 1, but was similar to baseline thereafter; taking and timing adherence followed a similar pattern. Odds ratio (OR) for adherence at month 1 (but not at other time points) was greater versus baseline for overall (OR, 1.71; P = 0.0205), taking (OR, 3.38; P = 0.0004), and timing (OR, 1.77, P = 0.0252) dimensions. Mean ± SD Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale visual analogue scale score at baseline was 96.4 ± 5.5%, and increased postconversion. Estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable (month 12, 61.6 ± 17.7 mL/min per 1.73 m²), as did other laboratory parameters. Two (2.2%) patients had adverse events considered probably/possibly treatment-related.

Conclusions

There was disparity between high, patient-perceived and low, actual adherence. Converting stable KTPs from IR-T to PR-T in routine practice did not impact long-term adherence to immunosuppression; renal function remained stable.

Short- and Long-term Outcomes of De Novo Liver Transplant Patients Treated With Once-Daily Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus is the key immunosuppressive drug for liver transplantation. Once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus (TAC-PR) exhibits good drug adherence but has difficulty controlling the trough level in the early phase of liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and efficacy of immediately starting oral TAC-PR versus traditional twice-daily tacrolimus (TAC-BID) in de novo liver transplantation recipients.

METHODS

The study included 28 patients treated with conventional TAC-BID and 60 patients treated with TAC-PR (median follow-up 70.5 months). Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were similar except for the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and type of graft. Dose adjustment was more frequently required for TAC-PR than TAC-BID (73.3% vs 42.9%, P = 0.006), but trough levels of TAC during the first 3 months after liver transplantation were controlled well in both groups. The rate of acute cellular rejection and long-term renal function were similar in both groups. In both groups, renal function worsened during the first 6 months after transplantation and remained stable until the end of the follow-up period. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 96.4%, 85.7%, and 85.7% for TAC-BID and 96.7%, 94.8%, and 94.8% for TAC-PR, respectively. The overall survival curve for TAC-PR was not inferior to that of TAC-BID.

CONCLUSIONS

The TAC-PR protocol was feasible and effective with strict adjustment.

Prograf produces more benefits for CYP3A5 low expression patients in early stage after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE

This study is to analyze concentration changes of the prolonged-release and shorter-acting formulation of tacrolimus in patients with different CYP3A5 genotypes after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

A single-factor retrospective analysis was performed in patients underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation with postoperative administration of Advagraf or Prograf in our hospital from May 2013 to June 2014. The CYP3A5 genotypes were determined, and tacrolimus trough concentrations in whole blood were measured within 28days after transplantation. The rates of acute rejection rate, chronic rejection and infection were recorded and compared after one year follow-up after surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 106 patients administered Advagraf (45 cases) or Prograf (61 cases). The low expression genotype of CYP3A5 was detected in 40 (37.7%) patients. A higher dose of Advagraf was required to increase the tacrolimus trough concentrations within 21days after transplantation. Moreover, a higher dose for Advagraf than Prograf was required to increase the tacrolimus trough concentrations in low expression patients. In the low expression patients, Prograf more frequently achieved the target tacrolimus trough concentrations within seven days after transplantation (five days: 7.14% vs. 84%, P=0.001; seven days: 33.33% vs. 77.78%, P=0.001). The patient and kidney graft survival rates one year after transplantation both were 100%. The estimated glomerular filtration rate showed no significant difference between different CYP3A5 phenotypes or formulations of tacrolimus (P>0.05). However, the incidence of infections was higher in the Advagraf group in low expression patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tacrolimus of different formulations had different impact on patients with different CYP3A5 genotypes after kidney transplantation.

Conversion to Once-Daily Tacrolimus Results in Increased p38MAPK Phosphorylation in T Lymphocytes of Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

The once-daily formulation of tacrolimus (TAC(OD)) has been developed to overcome adherence problems. Conversion from the twice-daily TAC (TAC(BID)) formulation to TAC(OD) on a 1:1 basis, however, often leads to a decrease of TAC predose concentrations, which averages ∼15%. Switching between the two TAC formulations may thus influence drug efficacy and necessitates therapeutic drug monitoring. As an additional tool in transplantation diagnostics, phospho-specific flow cytometry was used to study the biological effects of conversion on p38MAPK phosphorylation, a kinase involved in T-lymphocyte activation.

METHODS

Stable renal transplant recipients (n = 12), at least 1 year after their transplantation, were converted from TAC(BID) to TAC(OD) on 1:1 mg for mg base. Comedication consisted of mycophenolate mofetil (n = 10) and prednisolone (n = 3). TAC whole-blood predose concentrations were determined by immunoassay before and 3 months after conversion. P38MAPK phosphorylation was measured in T lymphocytes by whole-blood phospho-specific flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Three months after conversion, no significant decreases in TAC predose concentrations (C0) were found (P = 0.54), whereas p38MAPK phosphorylation increased with 11.4% (P < 0.05) in CD4 and with 15.6% (P < 0.05) in CD8 T lymphocytes. The TAC C0 during treatment with TAC(BID) correlated inversely with p38MAPK phosphorylation in T lymphocytes (rs = -0.638; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the measurement of p38MAPK phosphorylation status in T lymphocytes is a sensitive method to determine the biological effects of TAC before and after conversion from TAC(BID) to TAC(OD). This method could be a more sensitive tool for therapeutic drug monitoring of TAC.

Favorable longterm outcomes of liver transplant recipients treated de novo with once-daily tacrolimus: Results of a single-center cohort

The once-daily prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus has been recently related with significant graft and patient mid-term survival advantages; however, practical information on the de novo administration after liver transplantation and longterm outcomes is currently lacking. This study is a 5-year retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort of liver transplant recipients treated de novo with once-daily tacrolimus (April 2008/August 2011). The study cohort consisted of 160 patients, including 23 with pretransplant renal dysfunction, with a median follow-up of 57.6 months (interquartile range, 46.6-69.0). Tacrolimus target trough levels were 5-10 ng/mL during the first 3 months after transplant, reducing progressively to <7 ng/mL after the first posttransplant year. Once-daily tacrolimus was withdrawn in 35 (21.8%) patients during follow-up, mostly due to renal dysfunction and/or metabolic syndrome. The biopsy-proven acute rejection rate was 12.5% with no cases of steroid-resistant rejection. The cumulative incidence of de novo diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 16.9%, 31.2%, and 6.5%, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate was 2.8%. Renal function remained stable after the sixth month after transplant with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of 77.7 ± 19.6 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) at 5 years. None of our patients developed chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5. Patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 96.3%, 91.9%, and 88.3%, respectively. Overall survival of patients with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score > 25 points was not significantly different. In conclusion, our study suggests that immunosuppression based on de novo once-daily tacrolimus is feasible in routine clinical practice, showing favorable outcomes and outstanding longterm survival even in patients with high MELD scores. Liver Transplantation 22 1391-1400 2016 AASLD.

Pharmacogenetic-based strategy using de novo tacrolimus once daily after kidney transplantation: prospective pilot study

AIM

The once daily tacrolimus formulation (Tac-OD) has been associated with better patient adherence and low variability in exposure. Patients carrying the CYP3A5*1 allele show accelerated clearance of Tac. Authors prospectively evaluate a simplified strategy for Tac-OD administration.

PATIENTS & METHODS

After grafting, 151 patients were divided into four groups and received a daily dose calculated according to CYP3A5 genotypes and unchanged for the first 3 days: CYP3A5*3/*3: 0.20 mg/kg/day, CYP3A5*3/*3: 0.25 mg/kg/day, CYP3A5*1/*3: 0.30 mg/kg/day and CYP3A5*1/*1: 0.35 mg/kg/day. The dose was adaptated on day 4 and remained unchanged a further three days and so on.

RESULTS

On day 3, median Cmin fell within the therapeutic range in all study groups. CYP3A5 expressors require significantly higher Tac-OD throughout the follow-up period to achieve a comparable Cmin.

CONCLUSION

This simplified strategy does not hamper treatment efficacy.

Effects of CYP3A5 polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of a once-daily modified-release tacrolimus formulation and acute kidney injury in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background

Tacrolimus is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and 3A5. We investigated the influence of CYP3A5 polymorphism and concurrent use of azole antifungal agents (AZ) on the pharmacokinetics of a once-daily modified-release tacrolimus formulation (Tac-QD) in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Design and methods

Twenty-four patients receiving allogeneic HSCT were enrolled. Genotyping for CYP3A5*3 was done by a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Trough blood concentrations (C₀) of tacrolimus were measured by chemiluminescence magnetic microparticle immunoassay. Continuous infusion of tacrolimus was administered from the day before transplantation and was switched to Tac-QD after adequate oral intake.

Results

Thirteen patients had a CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, and 11 patients had a CYP3A5*1/*1 or *1/*3 genotype. No significant difference was observed in daily dosages and the C₀ of tacrolimus between the two genotype groups without AZ. However, in patients who were co-administered AZ, the C₀ values of tacrolimus were higher in patients with the CYP3A5*3/*3 allele than with the CYP3A5*1 allele (P = 0.034), although daily doses of Tac-QD in patients with CYP3A5*3/*3 were significantly lower than those with the CYP3A5*1 allele (P = 0.041). The cumulative incidence of acute kidney injury was higher in patients with the CYP3A5*3/*3 than with the CYP3A5*1 allele when AZ was co-administered. The decrement for daily dosage of Tac-QD was significantly greater in patients expressing the CYP3A5*3/*3 than the CYP3A5*1 allele.

Conclusions

CYP3A5 genotyping may be useful for safe and effective immunosuppressive therapy with Tac-QD in HSCT patients in whom the use of AZ is anticipated.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00280-016-3060-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Overview of extended release tacrolimus in solid organ transplantation

Tacrolimus (Prograf^©, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Staines, United Kingdom; referred to as tacrolimus-BID) is an immunosuppressive agent to prevent and treat allograft rejection in kidney transplant recipients in combination with mycophenolate mofetil, corticosteroids, with or without basiliximab induction. The drug has also been studied in liver, heart and lung transplant; however, these are currently off-label indications. An extended release tacrolimus formulation (Advagraf^©, Astagraf XL^©) allows for once-daily dosing, with the potential to improve adherence. Extended release tacrolimus has similar absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion to tacrolimus-BID. Phase I pharmacokinetic trials comparing extended release tacrolimus and tacrolimus-BID have demonstrated a decreased maximum concentration (C_max) and delayed time to maximum concentration (t_max) with the extended release formulation; however, AUC_0-24 was comparable between formulations. Overall extended release tacrolimus has a very similar safety and efficacy profile to tacrolimus-BID. It is not recommended in the use of liver transplant patient’s due to the increased risk of mortality in female recipients. There has been minimal data regarding the use of extended release tacrolimus in heart and lung transplant recipients. With the current data available for all organ groups the extended release tacrolimus should be dosed in a 1:1 fashion, the exception may be the cystic fibrosis population where their initial dose may need to be higher.

A Pilot Study of the Pharmacokinetics of the Modified-Release Once-Daily Tacrolimus Formulation Administered to Living-Donor Liver Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES

Sustained-release once-daily tacrolimus pharmacokinetics have not yet been characterized in de novo living-donor liver transplant recipients. Here, a 12-week, phase IV, single center, open-label, prospective pilot study was conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetics of this formulation in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients received continuous intravenous infusion of tacrolimus on days 0 to 5 after transplant, which was followed by oral once-daily sustained-release tacrolimus. Two 24-hour pharmacokinetics profiles were generated for 10 patients on days 6 and 14. Secondary endpoints were minimum (trough level) and maximum whole blood concentrations, time to maximum concentration, and incidences of acute rejection, patient and graft survival, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Mean doses (± standard deviation) of sustained-release tacrolimus on days 6 and 14 were 0.14 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.04 mg/kg. Levels were within the recommended range throughout the study. When the actual dose was examined, area under the curve from 0 to 24 hours on day 14 was 1.8-fold higher than that on day 6 (423.9 vs 235.7 ng × h/mL). When tacrolimus was normalized to 0.1 mg/kg, area under the curve from 0 to 24 hours on day 14 was 1.5-fold higher than on day 6 (279.3 vs 183.4 ng × h/mL). When we used the actual dose, we found the correlation coefficient between area under the curve from 0 to 24 hours and trough level to be higher on day 6 (r = 0.87) than on day 14 (r = 0.691). No acute rejections, graft losses, patient deaths, or drug-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial intravenous followed by sustained-release tacrolimus was safe and efficacious in living-donor liver transplant recipients. The mean area under the curve from 0 to 24 hours on day 14 was higher than previously reported; this difference may reflect cautious dosing regimens.

Once-daily prolonged release tacrolimus in liver transplantation: Experts' literature review and recommendations

The efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (Tac) twice daily (bid) and once a day (qd) formulations are considered to be similar. However, the available information regarding initiation of Tac qd is sparse, and practical information is lacking. On the basis of a literature review, clinical efficacy, and safety trials, French experts in the liver transplantation field were asked to highlight pharmacokinetic (PK) differences between both formulations to assess efficacy and safety of the qd formulation in the context of de novo initiation or conversion and to provide their recommendations for initiation and day-to-day management of Tac qd. The same efficacy and safety profile is found for both immediate-release and prolonged-release Tac. PK differences carry on absorption because of the difference in formulations but not on metabolism or excretion. Tac qd offers a better reproducibility in exposure than Tac bid but is associated with an increased risk of disturbed absorption in case of a change in intestinal motility. The same therapeutic drug monitoring with Tac qd and bid could be applied, based on minimal concentration (trough level; C(min)), as there is a similar strong correlation between C(min) and the area under the curve (AUC) for both formulations. Different protocols for Tac qd initiation were described through numerous studies, except for early conversion: initiation on day 0, using 0.10 to 0.20 mg/kg/day as monotherapy, or lower dosages in case of concomitant immunosuppressant treatment or poor graft quality; early conversion from day 5 to 6 months, preferably before hospital discharge, using a 1 to 1.3 mg/kg/day schedule and with first C(min) assessment 48 hours after the conversion; and later conversion (>6 months posttransplantation) using a milligram-to-milligram dosage schedule, and with dose adjustment based on weekly C(min) measurement. Experts underline that an increase in treatment adherence was expected using Tac qd in liver recipients. In conclusion, Tac qd has the same efficacy and safety profile as Tac bid. De novo introduction or later conversion are well documented but could differ from day-to-day practice.

Medium-Term Renal Function in a Large Cohort of Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients Converted From Twice-Daily to Once-Daily Tacrolimus

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence pointing toward better renal function in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) treated with once-daily tacrolimus (QD-TAC) vs. twice-daily tacrolimus (BID-TAC).

METHODS

This is an extension study of a 1-year, single arm prospective study of stable KTR who were converted from BID-TAC to QD-TAC (4.9 ± 4.0 years after transplantation) in Spanish routine clinical practice. Patient and graft survival, renal function, acute rejection episodes, and other analytic parameters were assessed at 24 and 36 months after conversion.

RESULTS

A total of 1798 KTR were included in the extension study. Tacrolimus doses at 36 months were significantly lower compared to those at time of conversion (-0.2 mg/day; P = 0.023). Blood levels were lower than baseline during all the study (P < 0.001). Graft and patient survival at 3 years after conversion were 93.9% and 95.1%, respectively. Compared with baseline, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) remained very stable at all timepoints (56.7 ± 19.8 vs 58.1 ± 24.6 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) at month 36; P = 0.623). Even when patients reinitiating dialysis were counted as eGFR = 0, the mean eGFR was very stable. In fact, a small but significant increase was observed at 36 months versus baseline (+0.1 mL/min per 1.73 m(2); P = 0.025). An increase in proteinuria was observed at 36 months versus baseline (+0.11 g/24 h; P < 0.001). Acute rejection rates were low during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion from BID-TAC to QD-TAC in a large cohort of stable KTR was safe and associated with a very stable renal function after 3 years. Comparative studies are warranted to assess the feasibility of such conversion.

Pharmacokinetics for once-daily modified release formulation of tacrolimus hydrate in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

A once-daily modified release formulation of oral tacrolimus (Tac QD) has been developed in response to the problem of nonadherence. However, there have been no data available about the efficacy of Tac QD conversion from intravenous Tac (Tac i.v.) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). We analyzed the pharmacokinetics (PK) of Tac QD in allo-SCT recipients. A total of 10 patients with hematological malignancies who received allo-SCT from unrelated donors were enrolled. Patients received Tac i.v. at 0.03 mg/kg a day before transplantation. Administration of Tac i.v. was converted to Tac QD at a 1:4 ratio when the patients had recovered from regimen-related gastrointestinal toxicity and could tolerate oral medication. After conversion, six out of 10 patients (60 %) showed a sustained decrease in Tac exposure and required dose adjustment. The conversion from Tac i.v. to Tac QD should be performed under close medical supervision. Area under the curve (AUC) and the trough of Tac QD showed a correlation, and the trough should be maintained above 7.5 ng/ml to provide an adequate AUC. Although four patients received bone marrow from an HLA DRB1 1 antigen-mismatched unrelated donor, no patients developed grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The modification of Tac QD to maintain a whole-blood trough concentration above 7.5 ng/ml may be as effective as Tac BID.

Conversion from Prograf to Advagraf in stable kidney transplant recipients: better renal function after 3-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The complexity of treatment after solid organ transplantation has been related to non-adherence to therapy prescriptions and to reduced graft survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the middle-term effects of the conversion from Prograf (TAC), to extended-release tacrolimus (Advagraf) (ADV) in stable kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

Conversion from TAC to ADV (dose, 1:1 mg/mg) was planned in 78 kidney transplant patients with stable renal function 71±48 months after renal transplantation. Before conversion, 1 week after conversion, and every 6 months up to 3 years, patients were evaluated clinically and by means of the usual blood chemistry and pharmacologic parameters.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (26%) refused to change their pre-existing immunosuppressive therapy; therefore, 58 patients entered the study and 45 (77%) completed the 3-year follow-up. Patient survival was 98% and allograft survival was 96%. Significant reduction in serum creatinine levels and increased glomerular filtration rate were observed after conversion (3-year creatinine: before TAC 1.67±0.47 mg/dL vs after ADV 1.47±0.62 mg/dL, P<.001; glomerular filtration rate, MDRD abbreviated: before TAC 49±15 mL/min vs after ADV 59±24 mL/min, P<.001). The daily dose and C0 blood levels of tacrolimus were stable before and after conversion (dose before vs 3 years after conversion: TAC 3.79±1.81 mg/day vs ADV 3.54±1.86 mg/day, P=ns; C0 tacrolimus blood levels, before vs 3 years after conversion: TAC 6.03±1.75 ng/mL vs ADV: 5.58±1.38 ng/mL, P = NS). One patient in the ADV group had an episode of acute rejection (2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the safety and efficacy of converting from Prograf to Advagraf in stable kidney transplant patients in the middle term. We suggest that the observed improvement in renal function after conversion to ADV is related to the reduction of the 24-hour tacrolimus area under the curve exposure.

De novo Prograf versus de novo Advagraf: are trough level profile curves similar?

BACKGROUND

According to the clinical trials, Advagraf (ADV) has efficacy and safety profile similar to Prograf (PROG). The aim of this study was to compare the graft functions, dosages, and tacrolimus (TAC) trough level profile curves of patients on de novo PROG and ADV therapy.

METHODS

The ADV group included 39 de novo renal cases who had received initial immunosuppression (IS) with once-daily TAC (1 × 0.2 mg/kg from day1 after transplantation). We compared them with a PROG group of 38 transplant patients who received equivalent IS with twice-daily TAC (2 × 0.1 mg/kg from day1). In both groups, the IS was combined with antimetabolites and steroids. The mean follow-up time was similar (13.5 ± 7 days) in both groups after renal transplantation until the emission of the patients from our clinic.

RESULTS

TAC mean total daily dose was reduced and whole-blood trough levels decreased over the time in early postoperative days. Only on day 3 and day 4 after transplant, a significant higher adjustment in the ADV dosage was necessary to achieve sufficient TAC trough levels. The average TAC trough level profile curves were similar in PROG and ADV groups, but the individual curves were very different. Mainly in patients on ADV therapy, the initial concentrations were often >30 ng/mL, and in some cases on the 9th posttransplant day decreased to <5 ng/mL, then slowly increased into the required therapeutic range.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that patients after renal transplantation can be safely treated de novo with ADV. Setting the required therapeutic TAC blood levels may require more attention to avoid the "fluctuations" of trough level profile curve during the early postoperative period. Our data suggest that dose adjustment of ADV can be carried out more carefully compared with PROG on the basis of clinical symptoms and the value of TAC blood levels to avoid acute rejection and toxicity.

Pharmacokinetic and CYP3A5 pharmacogenetic differences between once- and twice-daily tacrolimus from the first dosing day to 1 year after renal transplantation

Aim & patients & methods: This study investigated 24-h pharmacokinetic and CYP3A5 pharmacogenetic differences between once-daily tacrolimus (Tac-q.d.) versus twice-daily tacrolimus (Tac-b.i.d.) pretransplantation and at 1 month and 1 year post-transplantaion. Results: The dose-adjusted trough level (Cmin) and area under the blood concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0–24) increased twofold within 1 year post-transplantation with both formulations and the two genotypes. Good correlations were observed between the AUC0–24 and Cmin for both formulations. However, the dose-adjusted Cmin, but not dose-adjusted AUC0–24, was approximately 30% lower for Tac-q.d. than for Tac-b.i.d. Although the dose-adjusted Cmin was lower for Tac-q.d. than for Tac-b.i.d. in both genotypes, the dose-adjusted AUC0–24 was approximately 25% lower for Tac-q.d. than for Tac-b.i.d. in CYP3A5 expressers, but not in nonexpressers during the study period. Conclusion: These results suggested that the approximately 30% lower Cmin for Tac-q.d. than for Tac-b.i.d. may have achieved the same AUC0–24 with both formulations and may be associated with CYP3A5 pharmacogenomic differences, especially in CYP3A5 expressers, between Tac-b.i.d. and Tac-q.d.

Original submitted 3 May 2013; Revision submitted 11 June 2014

Conversion from twice-daily to once-daily extended-release tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients: 2-year results and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Tacrolimus extended-release formulation has been approved for use in Canada since October 2008. In initial studies, efficacy and safety profile were demonstrated as similar for both formulations (twice-daily tacrolimus and extended-release formula tacrolimus). To validate the safety and efficacy of extended-release formula tacrolimus, we conducted a prospective observational study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At our institution, between January 2009 and January 2010, the switch from tacrolimus to extended-release formula tacrolimus was done in 130 stable kidney recipients. Clinical data were accessed at baseline (data before conversion), 1 to 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after conversion.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty renal transplant recipients were included in the current study. During the observation period, we saw no acute rejection and no change in graft function (mean serum creatinine levels remained stable). However, compared with baseline, mean tacrolimus trough levels were significantly reduced at 1 to 2 weeks, at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and at 24 months after conversion. Regarding the safety profile, no significant changes were noted in blood glucose, potassium, and magnesium. Approximately 35% of recipients preferred the extended-release formula tacrolimus to twice-daily tacrolimus.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion from twice-daily tacrolimus to extended-release once-daily tacrolimus appears to be safe and convenient up to 2 years after conversion in some recipients.

Tacrolimus effects and side effects after liver transplantation: is there a difference between immediate and extended release?

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressive therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) requires a high degree of patient compliance to guarantee safety and avoid side effects. In 2007, prolonged-release tacrolimus was launched in Europe to improve compliance. In this prospective observational crossover single-center trial, we analyzed effects and side effects of prolonged-release tacrolimus in OLT patients.

METHODS

LT patients at our center were included if they were older than l8 years of age, had had the procedure at least 6 months prior, and were outpatients currently on twice-daily tacrolimus. Patients were observed for 6 months before switching to once-daily tacrolimus. Patient history, clinical examination, and laboratory examinations were recorded on inclusion as well as after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months.

RESULTS

The rates of rejection, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus were compared during twice-daily and once-daily tacrolimus. Similarly, laboratory parameters were identical during both periods with the exception of glycated hemoglobin, which was significantly elevated under once-daily tacrolimus (P = .00l).

CONCLUSION

Converting patients to extended-release tacrolimus with was safe in terms of rejection, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia as well as renal and liver functions. Further investigations concerning pharmacokinetics and glucose metabolism will be needed to evaluate prolonged-release tacrolimus.

Impact of conversion to a once daily tacrolimus-based regimen in kidney transplant recipients with gastrointestinal complications

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications may affect up to 64% of kidney transplant recipients, with a higher incidence of symptoms in patients receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Tacrolimus extended release once-daily (OD) formulation offers the benefit of OD administration over standard tacrolimus, with a similar rate of GI complications when compared with the standard tacrolimus. We hypothesized that patients with tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen with posttransplant gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from a conversion to a tacrolimus OD regimen.

METHODS

In this pilot study, 27 kidney transplant recipients with tacrolimus-related GI complications were converted to a tacrolimus OD regimen (group 1). This group was compared with a historical cohort of 30 patients on standard tacrolimus therapy with GI symptoms (group 2). Patients were followed up for 1 year after initial enrollment.

RESULTS

Patients in group 1 reported a significant improvement in GI symptoms, as expressed by the change in the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores (1.7±0.3 vs. 1.2±0.2, P<0.001) and GI-specific health-related quality of life scores (87±26.3 vs. 97±24.6, P<0.05). After comparing changes in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale total scores and subscale scores at 12 months, patients in Group 1 scored better than patients in Group 2 in total scores (-0.5 vs. -0.12, P<0.0001), abdominal pain (P<0.001), diarrhea (P<0.001), and reflux (P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results from this study demonstrate that kidney transplant recipients experiencing tacrolimus-induced GI symptoms may benefit from a conversion to a tacrolimus OD regimen.

The once-daily formulation of tacrolimus: a step forward in kidney transplantation?

Nonadherence is a critical issue in transplantation. Recently, Astellas designed a once-daily-extended release formulation of tacrolimus (Tac). Despite initial reports showing bioequivalence of Tac once-daily (Advagraf) with the original formulation requiring twice-daily intake (Tac twice-daily, Prograf), several groups have now shown a sustained decrease in Tac exposure upon conversion from Prograf to Advagraf. Here, we discuss the possible reasons for this observation and how it could affect the expected benefits of Advagraf, and we comment on the fact that a similar lack of bioequivalence might prevail with generic immunosuppressive drugs.