Use of cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral) in de novo and stable renal transplantation: clinical impact, pharmacokinetic consequences and economic benefits. Canadian and International Neoral Study Groups.

Neoral appears to offer substantial pharmacokinetic benefits over previous formulations. It is absorbed more rapidly, completely, and consistently, and may eliminate the need for intravenous administration of CyA in all but the most difficult circumstances. Neoral may reduce the incidence of graft rejection in new renal transplant recipients, although this is not substantiated by all studies to this point. The economic analyses, though limited to cost-minimization studies with reasonably small patient populations, suggest that there may be potential savings in the use of Neoral which evolved from a lower use of health care resources. The more extensive studies now in preparation will be able to examine each of these outcomes in greater detail.