Tacrolimus Mutation Study for CYP3A4

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug whose main use is after organ transplant to reduce the activity of the patient’s immune system and so the risk of organ rejection. It is also used in a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis, severe refractory uveitis after bone marrow transplants, and the skin condition vitiligo. Tacrolimus dosing is often a challenge, as its complex pharmacokinetics can result in either drug toxicity or insufficient immunosuppressive activity.

Tacrolimus is metabolized by cytochrome CYP3A enzymes and hence genetic variants of the CYP3A4 gene can cause faulty metabolism of this drug. This pharmacogenomic test is hence important to assess whether or not Tacrolimus can be administered to a patient.