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Inhaling an anti-rejection drug, rather than swallowing it, can dramatically improve patients' chances of survival after lung transplants, a U.S. study says.

The drug involved, cyclosporine, is widely used to prevent organ rejection after transplant but is usually taken orally, the authors say.

Taking it by inhaler allows patients to get concentrations into their lungs that could only be achieved by oral doses strong enough to cause kidney damage, they say...

The original article can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2006/01/11/inhale-transplant2006011.html

The original article can found in the Media Doctor archives.

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what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

This story examines the use of a new formulation of inhaled cyclosporin which boosts concentrations of cyclosporin in the lung to prevent organ rejection in lung transplantation. The new formulation allows for greater concentrations of cyclosporin to enter the lung without any apparent increase in the risk of damage to the kidneys. Although the story is well structured, it would benefit greatly from additional information in key areas. For instance, what is the status of availability of this drug in Canada? How much does the drug cost, especially compared to standard cyclosporin treatment? Are there any side effects to using inhaled cyclosporins - what are they and have the risks been quantified?

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