Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin or Basiliximab for Induction Therapy?

In this issue of the Journal, Brennan et al.1 compare the safety and efficacy of two induction therapies commonly used in kidney transplantation: rabbit antithymocyte globulin and basiliximab. Induction refers to the administration of an intensive immunosuppressive regimen during the perioperative period. The rationale behind this approach is that the risk of acute rejection is greatest in the first weeks or months after transplantation. Induction therapies often involve the use of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to achieve rapid and profound early immunosuppression. Polyclonal antibodies used for this purpose include those against thymocytes (e.g., commercially available rabbit or equine preparations); monoclonal . . .