Rapamycin

Applications A triene macrolide antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Name derived from the native word for Easter Island, Rapa’Nui. Used as an immunosuppressant; antirestenotic. Sirolimus (INN/USAN), also known as rapamycin, is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation; it is especially useful in kidney transplants. It has shown its efficacy against neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. References Martel, P.R., et al.: Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol., 55, 48 (1977), Carlson, R.P., et al.: J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 266, 1125 (1993), Kahan, B.D., et al.: Lancet, 356, 194 (2000), Holmes, D.R., et al.: Circulation, 109, 634 (2004),