On April 21, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Thymoglobulin® [anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)], for use in the prophylaxis, or prevention, of acute rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant. Thymoglobulin is a well-established medication that has been used in kidney transplantation for nearly 20 years in the United States, and this FDA approval is an important milestone for the transplant community. The use of Thymoglobulin beginning just prior to transplantation may be an important step in ensuring a successful kidney implantation.
This FDA approval is particularly exciting because it aligns the Thymoglobulin label with its use in current clinical practice, provides the community with new opportunities for research and innovation in transplantation and will help ensure patients in need of this critical treatment have continued access.