Novartis: Results of LIS2T Study Indicate that Neorala is Associated with Less Diabetes and Diarrhoea than Tacrolimus in Liver Transplantation


BASEL, Switzerland, June 23, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Novartis (Other OTC:NVSEF) today announced new study data found that liver transplant patients receiving Neoral (cyclosporin for microemulsion) and managed by C2 monitoring experience significantly less diabetes and diarrhoea compared to those given tacrolimus.

Neorala is as effective as tacrolimus in preventing acute rejection in liver transplant patients whilst also being better tolerated according to the 6 month analysis of the LIS2T study presented today at the annual International Liver Transplant Society (ILTS) meeting in Barcelona.1 The study is the first ever multi-centre head-to-head comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of Neoral versus tacrolimus, where Neoral was monitored by C2 blood levels. Previous studies have compared Neoral and tacrolimus based on trough monitoring (C0), however the benefits of Neoral C2 monitoring have since been recognised.

Please see full press release under the following link: http://reports.huginonline.com/908653/119669.pdf