Myfortic cuts GI effects in transplant recipients

Data from a new study, published in the journal Transplantation, indicate that kidney transplant recipients who switch from Roche's immunosuppressant CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) to Myfortic (mycophenolic acid), made by fellow Swiss drug major Novartis, experienced fewer gastrointestinal effects than those who remained did not.

At present, up to 45% of patients treated with MMF following surgery experience GI effects and, although symptoms can be alleviated by cutting MMF dosage, such action can lead to an eight-fold increase in the incidence of acute rejection.

Two thirds consider switch beneficial