A Phase II Study of Belatacept (BMS-224818) With a Steroid-free Regimen in Subjects Undergoing Kidney Transplantation

Induction therapy, IV infusion, All subjects will receive thymoglobulin 1.5-mg/kg i.v. infusion on Days 1 (day of transplant), 2, 3, and 4 (up to a maximum total dose of 6 mg/kg) i.v. infusion over at least 4 hours

Belatacept arms will receive i.v. belatacept (10 mg/kg) on Days 1 and 5, and then every other week through Month 3 (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12), and then every 4 weeks through Month 6 (Weeks 16, 20, and 24). After 6 months, subjects will receive belatacept at the maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg every 4 weeks until completion of the trial

Sirolimus will be initiated at 5 mg/day on Day 1 (day of transplant) and continued through Day 2. The dosing will be adjusted subsequently to keep pre-dose (C0) levels at 7 - 12 ng/mL for the first 6 months, followed by 5 - 10 ng/mL thereafter

The recommended total initial dose of tacrolimus is 0.1 mg/kg/day in two divided doses orally up to and including week 52. Post week 52 subjects assigned to the tacrolimus arm will receive tacrolimus orally in accordance with local practice and the package insert until completion of the trial

Administered orally in a capsule or solution formulation in 2 divided doses on a consistent schedule in relation to time of day and meals. The dose should be 1 g bid; however 1.5 g bid may be administered at the investigator's discretion until completion of the trial