Roche launches new tests for monitoring transplant patients on immunosuppressive therapy

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced the global launch (except US) of two new highly sensitive therapeutic drug monitoring tests for the immunosuppressant medicines tacrolimus and cyclosporine. The new Elecsys Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine tests provide healthcare professionals with more accurate and reliable results. They are made for use on Roche’s cobas modular analysers, thus also supporting enhanced workflow and efficiency in medical laboratories.

“Therapeutic monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs is a key part of transplant medicine and essential for the long-term well-being of patients who have undergone organ transplantation,” said Roland Diggelmann, Head of Roche Diagnostics. ”The launch of the new products marks another milestone in the expansion for Roche’s test portfolio for transplantation. These highly sensitive tests provide healthcare professionals precise and consistent test results for effective treatment regime.”

Immunosuppressants must be taken continuously by recipients of organ transplants to prevent transplant rejection. As these medicines do not have the desired effect if the dose is too low, while excessive doses can cause severe side effects, it is important to monitor their concentrations in patients’ blood precisely.

Successful transplantation is performed routinely for a wide range of organs. However, the permanent risk that the recipient’s immune system may reject the new organ makes transplantation one of the most challenging and complex areas of medicine. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine are two medicines that are widely used to help prevent transplant rejection.

About Roche Diagnostics in transplantation

In the field of transplant medicine Roche offers healthcare professionals a broad portfolio of diagnostic tests. These include serology tests to ensure the safety of organ and blood donations from transmitted infection, monitor organ function, and help monitor patients’ health in the immediate post-transplant recovery period and during long-term follow-up.