Astellas sales and marketing update

Astellas launched Astagraf XL tacrolimus in the U.S. to prevent organ rejection in adult kidney transplant recipients. The company said the recommended starting dose is 0.15 mg/kg once-daily with basiliximab induction. Without basiliximab induction, the recommended starting dose is 0.1 mg/kg once-daily pre-operation and 0.2 mg/kg once-daily post-operation. A 30-day supply of 5 mg capsules has a wholesale acquisition cost of $594.60. FDA approved Astagraf in July. Astellas already markets the once-daily modified-release formulation of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, as Advagraf in the EU to prevent rejection in patients receiving liver, kidney or heart transplants, and as Graceptor in Japan (see BioCentury, July 22). ...