Pharmacokinetics of FK 506: preclinical and clinical studies.

Abstract

FK 506 is a macrolide with potent immunosuppressive effects. Its immunosuppressive property has been documented in both in vitro1 lymphocyte proliferation studies and in vivo studies. FK 506 treatment significantly prolongs graft survival in rats receiving heterotopic heart transplants, dogs receiving kidneys or livers, and baboons receiving kidney transplants.2 Currently, FK 506 is undergoing clinical trials at the University of Pittsburgh. This document provides a summary of the biopharmaceutical aspects and the pharmacokinetics of the drug in animals and humans.