New Thymoglobulin Data in Fifty Presentations Expected At the 2002 American Transplant Congress
Presentations Show Diversity of Research Conducted with Leading Immunosuppressive Antibody
FREMONT, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 23, 2002-- SangStat (Nasdaq:SANG - news) expects new data on Thymoglobulin® (Anti-thymocyte Globulin, (Rabbit)) from 50 studies to be presented at the American Transplant Congress (ATC) annual meeting scheduled for April 26 - May 1, 2002 in Washington, DC. Included are a total of 23 oral presentations on Thymoglobulin. This is the largest number of presentations including Thymoglobulin to appear at a single meeting. In the U.S., Thymoglobulin is currently indicated for the treatment of renal transplant acute rejection, in conjunction with concomitant immunosuppression.
``The volume of Thymoglobulin presentations at this year's ATC is certainly exciting for us,'' said Raymond J. Tesi, MD, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. ``I am encouraged by the breadth of clinical research reported at the meeting. This reflects the increased importance of this immunosuppressive agent to the field of solid organ transplantation.''
The following is a brief selection of a few key anticipated
presentations:
Induction Therapy (Prophylaxis against acute kidney rejection)
Abstract 398 -
A prospective, randomized, multi-center study of Thymoglobulin
compared to Simulect for induction immunosuppression: preliminary
results
Brennan, School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Monday, April 29, 2:40 PM, Marriott Ballroom Suite 3
Steroid Free Therapy
Abstract 1027 -
Steroid free immunosuppression with delayed introduction of a
calcineurin (CI) inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in
cadaver and living donor kidney transplants
William H. Marks, Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center
Tuesday, April 30, Poster session, Exhibit Hall B
Steroid Minimization Therapy
Abstract 259 --
Minimal rejection with a steroid sparing protocol in simultaneous
pancreas kidney transplantation
Chris E. Freise, UCSF, San Francisco,CA
Sunday, April 28, Poster session, Exhibit Hall B
Tolerance Studies (Transplantation without chronic immunosuppression)
Abstract 1319 --
Sirolimus monotherapy in kidney transplantation following
high dose Thymoglobulin induction
Sidney J. Swanson,Transplant/Autoimmunity Branch, NIDDK, NIH,
Bethesda, MD
Wednesday, May 1, 12:00 noon, Maryland Suite
Abstract 3 --
Mixed chimerism and drug withdrawal after kidney transplantation
and blood progenitor cell infusion
Maria T. Millan,Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, CA
Sunday, April 28, 8:30 AM, Marriott Ballroom
Pediatric Studies
Abstract 230 -
Short-term outcomes of Thymoglobulin induction in pediatric renal
transplant recipients
Marsha R. Honaker, Univ. of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, TN
Sunday, April 28, Poster session, Exhibit Hall B
Abstract 222 -
Steroid minimization in living donor pediatric renal
transplantation
Joseph Sherbotie, Univ, Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Sunday, April 28, Poster session, Exhibit Hall B
Abstracts of these studies and others being presented at ATC 2002 can be found at abstracts-on-line.com.
Thymoglobulin, which was introduced to the U.S. market in 1999, is a pasteurized anti-thymocyte rabbit immunoglobulin. Common adverse reactions, which are often transient, include fever, infections, and thrombocytopenia (an abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets). Thymoglobulin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to rabbit proteins, an acute viral illness, or a history of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) during rabbit immunoglobulin administration. Thymoglobulin should only be used by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy in the management of renal transplant patients.
SangStat
SangStat is a biotechnology company focused on immunology and working to discover, develop and market high value therapeutic products in the autoimmune, hematology/oncology and immunosuppression areas. SangStat's U.S. headquarters are in Fremont, California. SangStat also maintains a strong European presence, including direct sales and marketing forces in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, and distributors throughout the rest of the world. SangStat's stock is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol ``SANG.'' The company's web site is located at www.sangstat.com |
