ABSTRACT
Once-daily tacrolimus extended-release formulation (Prograf XL, formerly referred to as MR or MR4) was compared with the twice-a-day tacrolimus formulation (TAC) and cyclosporine microemulsion (CsA), all administered in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), corticosteroids and basiliximab induction, in a phase 3, randomized (1:1:1), open-label trial in 638 de novo kidney transplant recipients. In combination with MMF and corticosteroids, XL had an efficacy profile comparable to TAC and CsA. XL/MMF and TAC/MMF were statistically noninferior at 1-year posttransplantation to CsA/MMF for the primary efficacy endpoint, efficacy failure (death, graft loss, biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (BCAR) or lost to follow-up). One-year patient and graft survival were 98.6% and 96.7% in the XL/MMF group, 95.7% and 92.9% in TAC/MMF group and 97.6% and 95.7% in CsA/MMF group. The safety profile of XL in comparison with CsA was similar to that observed with TAC in this study and consistent with previously published reports of TAC in comparison with CsA. The results support the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in combination with MMF, corticosteroids and basiliximab induction, as well as XL as a safe and effective once-daily dosing alternative.