Islet Transplantation Using Abatacept

Efalizumab was a medication approved for use in psoriasis which was being explored to determine efficacy with immunosuppression following organ transplantation. Efalizumab was administered subcutaneously on a weekly basis. Upon efalizumab being withdrawn from the US market, the protocol was amended to alter the immunosuppressive regimen to abatacept for the study participants.

Abatacept is drug used to treat autoimmune diseases. Abatacept is administered intravenously, monthly, in weight-based doses and is given for as long as transplanted islets are functioning.

Belatacept is a medication to provide extended graft survival while limiting the toxicity generated by standard immune suppressing regimens. Belatacept is administered intravenously. The protocol for this study was amended to substitute belatacept for abatacept for all newly enrolling participants (current participants remained on abatacept).