STL Index for: Mydlarski P. Régine

Sirolimus, also known as rapamycin (SRL, Rapamune®), was approved in 1999 by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent graft rejection in renal transplantation. This articles reviews Sirolimus, its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and indication.

Solid organ transplant recipients have an increased incidence of skin cancer, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality post-transplantation. This article studies systemic retinoids, and other chemopreventative agents for high risk patients.

The pemphigus variants represent a group of potentially life-threatening autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases. Herein, we focus on the new and emerging therapies in the management of pemphigus.

Rituximab (Rituxan®, Genentech/ Biogen Idec) is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody directed against CD20. While anecdotal case reports recommend its “off-label” use in dermatology, randomized clinical trials are required to firmly establish the safety and efficacy.

Introduced in the 1970s as a treatment for psoriasis, mycophenolic acid has since been reformulated as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). With an improved side-effect profile and enhanced bioavailability, MMF is a promising drug for immune-mediated skin disease.

A manufactured blood product derived from fractionated human plasma, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) contains supra-physiologic levels of IgG. IVIg is currently used in the treatment of immunodeficiency syndromes, inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases.