Basiliximab (Simulect) reduces acute rejection among sensitized kidney allograft recipients.

Aims: Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of basiliximab (Simulect) as immunosuppressive induction therapy for the prevention of acute allograft rejection among sensitized kidney recipients.

Methods: Fifty-six adult recipients receiving cadaveric kidney transplant with panel reactive antibody class I ranging from 30% to 50% and or class II 30% to 80% were randomized at about a 2:1 ratio to the Simulect group (36 patients) or matching control group (20 patients). All patients received baseline triple immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine (Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids.