Sirolimus is a relatively new immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation, and is especially useful in kidney transplants. It is also known as rapamycin. Sirolimus is a macrolide antibiotic ("-mycin") first discovered as a product of the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus in a soil sample from an island called Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island. It is marketed as Rapamune® by Wyeth.
Interestingly, rapamycin originally was developed as an antifungal agent. However, this was abandoned when it was discovered that rapamycin had potent immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties.

Rapamune Consumer Information - FDA - Patient FAQ in html format with a link to approved labeling in pdf format.
Sirolimus - Familydoctor.org - Information for patients in English and Spanish.
| Insidermedicine in 60 - January 29, 2008 | |
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