Fujisawa’s FK506
Executive Summary
Immunosuppressant will undergo multi-center clinical trials in the U.S. and Europe starting "within a few months," the company says. FK506, discovered in the fermentation broth of Streptomyces tsukubaensis, inhibits the production of interleukin-2 and the expression of IL-2 receptors. Animal models indicate FK506 may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis, Behcet's diseases of the eyes and psoriasis. Investigator meetings were slated for March 5-6 in London and March 8-9 in Bethesda.