A Study of CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) Combined With Tacrolimus and Corticosteroids in Kidney Transplant Patients.

A Randomized, Open Label Study Comparing the Effect of CellCept Combined With Low Dose Versus Standard Dose Tacrolimus, and Corticosteroids, on Kidney Function in Renal Transplantation Patients

This 2 arm study will compare the efficacy and safety of CellCept, combined with low or standard dose tacrolimus plus corticosteroids, in patients with kidney transplants. Patients will be randomized into one of 2 groups to receive either 1)CellCept 2.0g/day po bid + tacrolimus 10-12ng/mL followed by a maintenance dose of 8-10ng/mL + corticosteroids or 2)CellCept 2.0g/day po bid + tacrolimus 8-10ng/mL in the first 2 months,3-7ng/mL in month 3 followed by a maintenance dose of 3-5ng/mL + corticosteroids. The anticipated time on study treatment is 1 year, and the target sample size is 100-500 individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients, <=75 years of age;
• single organ recipients of renal allograft;
• negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential; reliable contraception must be used before starting drug therapy, until 6 weeks after the last dose of study medication.

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe gastrointestinal disease which may influence the absorption of oral drug therapy;
• severe infection, HIV or active hepatitis;
• active gastric ulcers;
• malignancy other than cured skin cancer;
• severe anemia, leucopenia or thrombocytopenia.