COMPARISON OF THE PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILES OF CYCLOSPORINE, (NVA2)-CYCLOSPORINE AND (VAL2)DIHYDRO-CYCLOSPORINE

Abstract

The pharmacological profiles of 2 new derivatives of the immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine (CS), is presented here. The nor-valine2 derivative [(Nva2)-CS] has very similar properties to CS, but lacks the nephrotoxic side-effects. This derivative appears to be a potential successor to cyclosporine. The valine2-dihydro derivative [(Val2)DH-CS] seems to have a different spectrum of activities. It does not suppress humoral immunity and allograft rejection, but suppresses some types of cell-mediated immune responses. This derivative may prove useful in autoimmune situations where T cells are involved in the disease process.