After a self-imposed moratorium that lasted three years, Dr. Starzl and his colleagues tried again. In the late 1970s, Dr. Starzl helped investigate the efficacy of cyclosporine, a drug that laboratory tests indicated could inhibit the body’s immune response. Dr. Starzl applied the drug in combination with steroids to avoid a toxic effect on the kidneys. Dr. Starzl later helped transplant her liver a second time, after damage to the organ from hepatitis. In that operation, Dr. Andreas Tzakis and Dr. Starzl used FK-506, an experimental anti-rejection drug, which went on to become widely used in transplant surgeries.

Source: New York Times March 06, 2017 01:15 UTC