HPLC-MS analysis reveals blood monitoring as 'essential' for generic tacrolimus recipients

Analysis conducted using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) has led researchers to deem as "essential" monitoring the blood concentrations of tacrolimus in patients after switching to a generic form of the drug.

Tacrolimus is used to suppress the immune response in individuals after they receive a transplanted organ, to prevent their body from rejecting the alien tissue.

Findings presented at the International Congress of the Transplant Society (ICTS) reveal that a recently approved generic version of the drug is safe for use in recipients of kidneys and liver tissue.

However, the HPLC-MS analysis indicated a need to assess concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream of patients.

Some 37 per cent of participants experienced a shift in concentration of more than a fifth after changing to the generic drug.

Across the board, the reduction in tacrolimus concentration averaged 15 per cent, the scientists saw.

The ICTS event took place in Vancouver, Canada on August 15th-19th.