Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of Cyclosporin A in Rats and Rabbits

Cyclosporin A (CSA) is a poorly water-soluble cyclic peptide comprising 11 amino acids. It inhibits T-lymphocyte function that plays an important role in the induction of immune response. The potent immunosuppressive activity of CSA has been used for the prevention of rejection following transplantation of liver, kidney and bone marrow, etc. The use of CSA has been often limited by several disadvantages including low bioavailability, narrow therapeutic window, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Moreover, CSA injection is limited to patients who are unable to take the oral preparations, because it has a risk of anaphylactic shock and nephrotoxicity due to Cremophor EL$\textregistered$, a solubilizing agent used in the commercial intravenous formulation. Owing to above mentioned disadvantages of commercial products, there is a great interest in the development of the alternative dosage forms. (omitted)