Primary objective of this study is to compare the two therapy regimens with regard to renal function by using calculated creatinine clearance. The secondary objectives are to compare the efficacy and safety profiles of the two therapy regimens.

This phase III study shall provide detailed efficacy and safety information to compare this combination of sirolimus and tacrolimus with the current standard tacrolimus combination regimen (tacrolimus/MMF/steroids) which is widely used in European centres.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between 18 and 60 years of age and having end stage kidney disease who will undergo primary renal transplantation or retransplantation are eligible for the study. Patients receiving a kidney transplant, from a cadaveric or living donor (not HLA identical) with compatible AB0 blood type can be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient has a high immunological risk
• Cold ischemia time greater than 30 hours
• Patient has significant liver disease
• Patient has severe hypercholesterolaemia
• Patient is allergic or intolerant to study medication
• Patient requires ongoing dosing with corticosteroids.
• Patient or donor is known to be HIV positive
• Patient with malignancy or history of malignancy