Clinical trial NCT02544113
Conditions: Liver Failure
Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic
Start date: 2015-12-01; Completion date: 2020-01-03
Enrollment: 110 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
This is a 24-month, Phase II, multi-center, two-arm, randomized controlled study of adult patients receiving a single organ liver transplant from a deceased donor; the purpose being to determine the efficacy of Thymoglobulin® induction and delayed initiation of CNI in the long-term preservation of renal function after liver transplantation. This study is based on the outcomes of an earlier phase 1 pilot study which was performed at the Cleveland Clinic.

This study will be conducted at 3 centers, with 110 subjects randomized 1:1 into two groups: Group 1 will receive Thymoglobulin® induction, (4.5 mg/Kg, in 3 doses of 1.5 mg/Kg/dose) with delayed initiation of CNI to begin on Day 10 post LT. Group 2 will receive early CNI initiation (to be started no later than Day 2 post LT), and no Thymoglobulin® induction (or any other antibody).

All subjects will also receive a maintenance immunosuppressive regimen consisting of corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) according to standard of practice in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Subjects will be consented pre-transplant. Participation may last up to 12 months post OLT. There are 15 study-related visits which will be completed during standard of care (SOC) visits.

Detailed description:
Functional recovery of renal function from acute renal failure occurs in 75% of patients at approximately 14 days after onset of the disease. In liver transplantation, intraoperative hemodynamic insults typically lead to acute renal failure which may be further worsened by exposure to CNI therapy in the early postoperative period. In practice, patients who demonstrate early evidence of acute renal failure often have their CNI therapy delayed for 4-5 days. This duration of CNI delay is too short to have any salutary effect on the course or severity of acute kidney injury as less than 20% of patients experience any functional recovery by day 5.

Thymoglobulin® (Sanofi, Cambridge, MA) is a polyclonal immunosuppressive agent that is derived from rabbits immunized with pediatric thymocytes. It contains antibodies to a wide variety of T-cell antigens and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and is approved for the treatment of kidney rejection by the FDA. Thymoglobulin® has been shown to be a safe and efficacious induction therapy that permits delayed exposure to CNI therapy while preventing the occurrence of acute rejection in kidney transplantation. The investigators hypothesize that any perioperative insult leading to AKI in OLT recipients is unlikely to be beneficially impacted by a short delay of CNI introduction. Further hypothesized is that avoidance of CNI for 10 days will have a beneficial effect on the course and severity of perioperative AKI. Since perioperative AKI is a potent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the late post-transplant period, also hypothesized is that minimizing the risk and severity of AKI with prolonged delayed exposure to CNI will have a beneficial effect on renal function late after liver transplantation.

Arms: arm 1: Subjects randomized to the (Delay CNI) group will be treated with Thymoglobulin® (total dose of 4.5 mg/kg) administered in three doses; (each dose being 1.5 mg/kg - administered Day 0 \[after transplant\], Day 2, and Day 4 post transplant), along with CNI delay for 10 days. CNI will be initiated on postoperative (post-transplant) Day 10. Subjects will also receive a maintenance immunosuppression regimen of corticosteroids and MMF in accordance with the standard practice at each clinical center. arm 2: Subjects randomized to the (Early CNI) group (Control group) will receive no antibody therapy for induction and will start CNI therapy on postoperative (post-transplant) Day 2. Subjects will also receive a maintenance immunosuppression regimen of corticosteroids and MMF in accordance with the standard practice at each clinical center.
Interventions: intervention 1: Thymoglobulin intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Treatment with thymoglobulin and delayed CNI post OLT intervention 2: Normal transplant immunosuppression

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
Protocol Title:  A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Thymoglobulin® and Extended Delay of 
Calcineurin Inhibitor Therapy for Renal Protection after Liver Transplantation:  A Multi-Center Study 
 
NCT02544113 
 
Protocol Date:  3/27/2017 


  
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CLINICAL STUDY PROTOCOL 
 
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Thymoglobulin® and Extended Delay of Calcineurin 
Inhibitor Therapy for Renal Protection after Liver Transplantation  
A Multi-Center Study 
 
IRB # 15-943 
 
Version Number: 
 
 
 
17 
 
Release Date:  
 
 
 
3/27/2017 
 
Group/Participating Institution: 
 
The Cleveland Clinic 
Lead Site 
 
Principal Investigator:  
 
 
Bijan Eghtesad, MD 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cleveland Clinic 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9500 Euclid Avenue 
A100 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cleveland, Ohio  44195 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Phone:  (216) 444-9898 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address:  eghtesb@ccf.org 
 
 
 
 
Group/Participating Institution: 
 
University of Cincinnati 
Sub Site 
 
 
 
 
Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery 
 
Principal Investigator:  
 
 
Shimul Shah, M.D., MHCM 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Director, Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery 
 
 
 
 
 
 
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 
                                                                               231 Albert Sabin Way 
                                                                               MSB 1555 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cincinnati, OH 45247 
 
 
 
 
 
             Phone:  (513) 558-3993 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address:  Shimul.shah@uc.edu 
 
CO-PI                                                                    Tiffany Kaiser, Pharm.D. 
                                                                               Director of Transplant Quality 
                                                                               University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 
                                                                               231 Albert Sabin Way 
                                                                               MSB 1555 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cincinnati, OH 45247 
                                                                               Phone: (513) 558-0821 
                                                                               E-mail Address:  Kaisertn@ucmail.uc.edu 
                                                                                
                                              
Group/Participating Institution:                     Medical College of Wisconsin                                            
Sub Site                                                              Division of Transplantation 
 
Principal Investigator                                       Michael Zimmerman, M.D. 
                                                                             Associate Professor of Surgery 


  
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                                                                             Director, Clinical and Translation Research 
                                                                             Medical College of Wisconsin 
                                                                             9200 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite E5700 
                                                                             Milwaukee, WI 53226 
                                                                             Phone: (414) 955-6920 
                                                                             E-mail Address: mzimmerman@mcw.edu 
 
 
CO-PI                                                                   Johnny Hong, M.D. 
                                                                             Chief, Division of Transplantation Surgery 
                                                                             Director, Solid Organ Transplantation 
                                                                             Medical College of Wisconsin 
                                                                             9200 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite E5700 
                                                                             Milwaukee, WI 53226 
                                                                             Phone: (414) 955-6928 
                                                                             E-mail Address: jhong@mcw.edu 
 
CO-PI                                                                  Joohyun Kim, M.D., Ph.D. 
                                                                             Assistant Professor of Surgery 
                                                                             Medical College of Wisconsin 
                                                                             9200 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite E5700 
                                                                             Milwaukee, WI 53226 
                                                                             Phone: (414) 955-6920 
                                                                             E-mail Address: jokim@mcw.edu 
 
 
 
Group Participating Institution:                      Cleveland Clinic Weston 
Sub Site 
 
Principal Investigator:                                       Bobby Zervos, D.O. 
                                                                              Medical Director, Liver Transplant Program 
                                                                              Staff Physician, Cleveland Clinic Weston 
                                                                              2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd.  
                                                                              Weston, FL, 33331 
                                                                              Phone: (954) 659-5133 
                                                                              Email Address: zervosx@ccf.org 
 
CO-PI                                                                  John Rivas, M.D. 
                                                                             Staff Physician, Gastroenterology/Hepatology 
                                                                             Cleveland Clinic Weston 
                                                                             2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd. 
                                                                             Weston, FL  33331 
                                                                             Phone: (954) 290-2805 
                                                                             Email Address: rivasj@ccf.org               
 


  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS: 
 
STUDY SYNOPSIS……………………………………………………………………………6-7 
ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS………………………..………….………………………8-10 
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………….…………..11-15 
A. 
Overview………………………………………………………………….…………11 
B. 
Kidney Dysfunction in Liver Transplantation……………...………………………..12 
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)………………………………………………….……….12 
Chronic Kidney Disease………………………………………………………….12-14 
C. 
Thymoglobulin® in Liver Transplantation……………………………..……………14 
D. 
Study Rationale……………………………………………………….………….14-15 
INVESTIGATIONAL AGENT [ANTI-THYMOCYTE GLOBULIN (RABBIT)]……..…15-20 
A. 
Chemistry…………………………………………………………………...………..15 
B. 
Immunopharmacology……………………………………………………………15-16 
C. 
Overview of Clinical Efficacy and Safety………….…………………………….16-21 
Treatment of Acute Rejection………………………………………………..…...16-17 
Efficacy of Thymoglobulin® in Liver Transplantation………………………….17-19 
Overview of Thymoglobulin® Safety……………………………………………19-21 
STUDY OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………………………..……21 
A. 
Primary Objective……………………………………………..……………………..21 
B. 
Secondary Objective(s)………………………………………………………………21 
INVESTIGATIONAL PLAN…………………………………………………………….….21-25 
A. 
Overall Study Design……………………………………………………………..21-23 
Primary Endpoints…………………………………………………………..……22-23 
Secondary Endpoints…………………………………………………..…………22-23 
B. 
Patient Population……………………………………………………………………23 
C. 
Number of Patients……………………………………………………..……………23 
D. 
Selection of Study Population……………………………………………………….23 
Inclusion Criteria…………………………………………………………………….23 
Exclusion Criteria…………………………………………………………………....24 
E. 
Patient Numbering……………………………………………………………...……24 
F. 
Treatment Group Assignment……………………………………………..…………24 
G. 
Early Patient Withdrawal/Study Treatment Discontinuation………………………..25 
H. 
Discontinued Subjects………………………………………………………………..25 
STUDY TREATMENTS…………………………………………………………………….25-28 
A. 
Investigational and Control Drugs……………………………………………….25-26 
B. 
Dose Adjustments / Dose Holds / Discontinuation………………………………26-27 
Infusion Reactions………………………………………………………………..26-27 
Severe Infusion Reaction…………………………………………………………….27 
C. 
Treatment Blinding…………………………………………………………………..27 
D. 
Study Drug Supply, Storage, Tracking………………………………………………27 
E. 
Dispensing of Investigational Drug………………………………………………….28 
OTHER MEDICATIONS/THERAPIES USED IN THE STUDY…………………….…….28-32 
A. 
CNI Treatment……………………………………………………………………28-29 
B. 
Corticosteroids……………………………………………………………………….29 


  
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C. 
Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) Therapy…………………………………………....29 
D. 
Prophylaxis Therapies………………………………………………….…………….30 
E. 
Liver Biopsies………………………………………………………………………..31 
F. 
Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Rejection Episodes……………………………...31 
G. 
Diagnosis and Treatment of HCV……………………………………………………31 
H. 
Study Drug (Thymoglobulin®) Discontinuation………………………...………31-32 
I. 
Emergency Un-Blinding of Treatment Assignment…………………………………32 
J. 
Study Completion and Post-Study Treatment………………………………………..32 
EFFICACY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENTS………………………………...…………….32-34 
A. 
Renal function………………………………………………………………………..32 
B. 
Acute Cellular Rejection……………………………...………………………….32-33 
C. 
Graft loss……………………………………………………………………………..33 
D. 
Death…………………………………………………………………………………33 
E. 
Safety…………………………………………………………………………......33-34 
Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs/SAEs)……………………..33-34 
 
 
THYMOGLOBULIN®………………………………………...…………….33-34 
 
 
TACROLIMUS……………………………………………………………..…...34 
ADVERSE EVENT AND SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENT (AE/SAE) REPORTING………34-36 
A. 
Adverse Events (AEs)………………………………………………………...….34-35 
B. 
Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)……………………………..…………………..35-36 
C. 
Pregnancies………………………………………………………………………….36 
STUDY ASSESSMENTS…………………………………………………………………..36-38 
A. 
Visit Schedule and Assessments……………………………………………………36 
B. 
Physical Exam………………………………………………………………………36 
C. 
Vital Signs…………………………………………………………………………..37 
D. 
Laboratory Evaluations…………………………………………………………37-38 
E. 
Tolerability/Acceptability…………………………………………………………..38 
F. 
Pharmacokinetics…………………………………………………………………...38 
G. 
Pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics……………………………………………..38 
DATA COLLECTION, QUALITY ASSURANCE, AND MANAGEMENT……………..38-40 
A. 
Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB)………………………………………...38-39 
B. 
Data entry and review……………………………………………………………….39 
C. 
Data collection and quality control………………………………………………….40 
D. 
Handling of Missing 
Values/Censoring/Discontinuations…………………………………………………40 
STUDY ENDPOINTS / EFFICACY AND SAFETY…………………………….…………40-42 
A. 
Primary Endpoints…………………………………………………………………...40 
B. 
Secondary Endpoints……………………………………………………………...…40 
C. 
Additional Efficacy and Safety Variables for Evaluation……..…………………41-42 
Adverse Events (AEs) / Infections…...41-42 
Laboratory Data…………………………………………………………………...…42 
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………….……………43-46 
 
 
 
 
 


  
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LIST OF TABLES: 
Table 1:  
Immunosuppression Protocol……………………………………………………22 
Table 2: 
Classification / Staging for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)………………………...23 
Table 3: 
Tacrolimus Blood Trough (C-0h) Levels / Concentration-Guided Dosing 
Regimen………………………………………………………………………….28 
Table 4: 
Cyclosporine Blood Trough (C-0h) Levels / Concentration-Guided Dosing 
Regimen………………………………………………………………………….29 
Table 5: 
Required CMV Prophylaxis Therapy……………………………………………30 
 
 
APPENDIX: 
A. 
 
STUDY VISIT / ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE…………………………...…47-49 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


  
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STUDY SYNOPSIS: 
TITLE OF STUDY: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Thymoglobulin® and Extended Delay of 
Calcineurin Inhibitor Therapy for Renal Protection after Liver Transplantation: A Multi-Center Study 
PROTOCOL NUMBER: 
PHASE:  2   
STUDY CENTERS:  Multicenter Study [Cleveland Clinic, University of Cincinnati, Liver Transplant, Medical College 
of Wisconsin, Cleveland Clinic Weston] 
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS: Initial treatment with 4.5 mg/kg of thymoglobulin® and delayed introduction of calcineurin 
inhibitor therapy (CNI) [tacrolimus] for 10 days will result in superior preservation of renal function and similar subject 
and graft survival in comparison to subjects receiving CNI no later than postoperative Day 2, along with no polyclonal or 
monoclonal antibody induction therapy.  
STUDY DESIGN: This is a phase II study to be conducted at three centers.  Subjects will be randomized in equal numbers 
to receive Thymoglobulin® and delayed CNI (Delay CNI) or standard CNI initiation with no antibody therapy (Early CNI).   
All subjects will also receive a maintenance immunosuppressive regimen consisting of corticosteroids and mycophenolate 
mofetil (MMF) according to standards of practice in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).  
DURATION OF STUDY: 24-30 months  
NUMBER OF SUBJECTS: 110  
STUDY POPULATION: Subjects receiving a first OLT from a deceased donor (whole organ or split). 
INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA: 
INCLUSION CRITERIA  
 
Patients undergoing deceased donor solitary liver transplantation 
 
Age 18-75 years at the time of transplantation 
 
Willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures 
 
Signed informed consent form 
 
For patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma as indication for OLT, (must be within the Milan Criteria)  
 
Hepatitis C, positive or negative, patients 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
 
Prior kidney transplantation 
 
Congenital or iatrogenic absence of one kidney 
 
Subjects on renal replacement therapy at the time of OLT  
 
MELD score >34 
 
HIV positive patient 
 
Patient with current severe systemic infection 
 
History of  bacterial peritonitis within 30 days prior to OLT 
 
Active infection or recent infection within 30 days prior to OLT 
 
Use of a calcineurin inhibitor continuously for more than 90 days within the past 6 months 
 
History of hypersensitivity to Thymoglobulin®, rabbits or tacrolimus  
 
Pregnant and/or nursing (lactating) females.   
 
Women of childbearing age who are unwilling to use effective contraception during the duration of the study, 
and for 30 days after study participation and/or last dose of Study Drug.  
STUDY MEDICATION (DOSE/ROUTE/REGIMEN):  Subjects randomized to the (Delay CNI) group will be treated 
with Thymoglobulin® (total dose of 4.5 mg/kg) administered in three doses; (each dose being 1.5 mg/kg – administered  
Day 0 [after transplant], Day 2, and Day 4 post transplant), along with CNI delay for 10 days.  CNI will be initiated on 
postoperative (post-transplant) Day 10.  Subjects will also receive a maintenance immunosuppression regimen of 
corticosteroids and MMF in accordance with the standard practice at each clinical center.   
REFERENCE MEDICATION (DOSE/ROUTE/REGIMEN):  Subjects randomized to the (Early CNI) group (Control 
group) will receive no antibody therapy for induction and will start CNI therapy on postoperative (post-transplant) Day 2.  
Subjects will also receive a maintenance immunosuppression regimen of corticosteroids and MMF in accordance with the 
standard practice at each clinical center. 
 
 


  
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STUDY SYNOPSIS: (continued) 
PRIMARY ENDPOINT(s):       
 
The incidence of AKI at 30 days post-transplant. 
 
Serum creatinine and eGFR at 30 days post-transplant 
SECONDARY ENDPOINT(s):  
 
The incidences of acute cellular rejection, (ACR), at 30 days post-transplant. 
 
Patient survival at 6 months post-transplant. 
 
Graft survival at 6 months post-transplant. 
 
Incidence of AEs and SAEs 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


  
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ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS: 
 
ACE  
angiotensin converting enzyme 
ACR  
acute cellular rejection 
ADQI 
acute dialysis quality initiative  
AE 
 
adverse event 
AKI 
acute kidney injury 
AKIN 
acute kidney injury network 
ALT 
 
alanine aminotransferase 
ARF  
abnormal renal function 
AST 
 
aspartate aminotransferase 
ATN  
acute tubular necrosis 
AUC  
area under the curve 
BCG  
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (vaccine) 
Β-HCG 
Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin 
BID 
 
twice a day 
BP 
 
blood pressure 
BPAR  
biopsy proven acute rejection 
BUN  
blood urea nitrogen 
Ca  
calcium 
CBC  
complete blood count 
CD3+ 
Cluster of differentiation 3 
CFR  
Code of Federal Regulations 
CKD 
Chronic Kidney Disease 
Cl  
chloride 
CMV  
cytomegalovirus 
CNI 
 
Calcineurin Inhibitor(s) 
CO2  
carbon dioxide 
CO-I 
Co Investigator 
CrCl  
creatinine clearance 
CRD  
Clinical Research and Development 
CRF 
 
Case Report/Record Form 
CsA 
 
Cyclosporine 
CSR 
 
Clinical Study Report 
CSSF   
Clinical Supply Shipment Form 
 
CYP2D6 
Enzyme (Cytochrome P450, Family 2, Subfamily D, Polypeptide 6) 
CYP3A4 
Enzyme (Cytochrome P450, Family 3, Subfamily A, Polypeptide 4) 
D/C 
discontinue 
DMC  
Data Monitoring Committee 
DNA 
deoxyribonucleic acid 
DOB 
date of birth 
DS 
double strength 
DSMB 
Data Safety Monitoring Board 


  
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EBV   
Epstein-Barr Virus 
EC  
Ethics Committee 
ECG  
Electrocardiogram 
eGFR 
estimated Glomerular Filtration rate 
EMR 
electronic medical record 
ESRD 
end stage renal disease 
FDA   
United States Food and Drug Administration 
FSH 
 
Follicle-stimulating hormone 
GCP   
Good Clinical Practice 
GFR  
Glomerular Filtration Rate 
HAT  
hepatic artery thrombosis 
HBcAb 
hepatitis core antibody 
HBV  
hepatitis B Virus 
HCC  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma 
Hct 
 
Hematocrit  
HCV   
hepatitis C Virus 
HDL  
high-density lipoprotein 
Hgb 
 
Hemoglobin  
HIPAA  
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
HIV   
human immunodeficiency virus 
HMG-CoA 
3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase 
HUS  
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome  
ICU 
 
Intensive Care Unit 
IDMS  
Integrated Database Management System 
IEC 
 
Independent Ethics Committee 
ILD 
 
Interstitial lung disease 
IL2  
 
interleukin 2 
INH 
 
Inhalation 
INR   
International Normalized Ratio 
IRB  
 
Institutional Review Board 
ITT 
  
intent-to-treat 
IV 
 
Intravenous(ly) 
K  
 
potassium 
Kg 
 
Kilogram  
LDL 
 
low-density lipoprotein 
LT 
 
Liver Transplant (ation) 
MCH  
mean corpuscular hemoglobin  
MCHC  
mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 
MDRD 
Modification of diet in renal disease 
MCV  
mean corpuscular volume 
MELD  
Model for End-Stage Liver Disease 
mg 
 
Milligram  
mIU 
 
milli-international units 
mL 
 
Milliliter  
MMF   
mycophenolate mofetil 
MPV  
mean platelet volume 


  
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MR#  
medical record number 
MRI   
magnetic resonance imaging 
Na  
 
sodium 
NG 
 
Nasogastric 
ng  
 
nanogram 
OLT 
 
Orthotopic Liver Transplantation 
P 
 
pulse 
PCP 
 
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia 
PCR 
 
polymerase chain reaction 
P-gp 
 
P-glycoprotein 
PI 
 
Principal Investigator 
PK 
 
Pharmacokinetics  
PML  
progressive multiple leukoencephalopathy 
PNF   
primary non function 
PO 
 
Oral(ly) 
PRCA  
pure red cell aplasia 
PRES  
posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome 
PTLD   
post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder 
PVAN  
polyoma virus-associated nephropathy 
PVI 
 
polyoma virus infections 
R 
 
respiration(s) 
r-ATG  
Rabbit Anti-thymocyte Globulin 
RBC  
red blood cell 
RDW-CV 
red cell distribution width – coefficient variation 
REB 
 
Research Ethics Board 
RF 
 
Renal Function 
RIFLE  
Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End Stage Kidney Disease 
RRT 
 
renal replacement therapy 
SAE 
 
Serious Adverse Event 
SBP 
 
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis 
SOC  
Standard of Care 
SOP 
 
Standard of Practice/Standard Operating Procedure 
sCr  
 
serum creatinine 
T 
 
temperature 
TAC   
tacrolimus 
Thymo  
Thymoglobulin® 
TMA  
Thrombotic Microangiopathy  
TTP 
 
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura  
UNOS  
United Network for Organ Sharing 
U/S 
 
Ultrasound 
US  
 
United States 
UTI 
 
urinary tract infection 
VLDL  
very-low-density lipoprotein 
WBC   
white blood cell 
WOCBP 
women of child-bearing potential 
 
 


  
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INTRODUCTION: 
 
A.  Overview 
Immunosuppression therapy has significantly improved the success rate of liver transplantation.  
Tacrolimus (TAC) is the most widely used calcineurin inhibitor in liver transplantation. TAC 
suppresses the immune responses by inhibiting the activity of calcineurin.  However, calcineurin 
inhibitors are associated with the long-term side effect of nephrotoxicity, which is a leading cause 
of the morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation (Chinnakotla et al., 2003; Donovan et al., 
2003).  The late withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors may not improve renal function, as early 
damage is irreversible after several months.  A delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors has 
been proposed as an alternative strategy to reduce the rate of renal dysfunction immediately 
following liver transplantation.  Alternative immunosuppressive therapies, such as interleukin 2 
(IL2) inhibitors and agents that block the  proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes have shown 
limited success, but they are all associated with increased graft rejection, failure, and eventually 
increased mortality.5, 6 An alternative strategy designed to protect early renal function via induction 
immunosuppression with Thymoglobulin® may avoid these risks associated with alternative 
maintenance or induction immunosuppression strategies.  (anti-thymocyte globulin [rabbit]; 
Sanofi; Cambridge, MA) is a polyclonal gamma immunoglobulin, obtained by immunization of 
rabbits with human thymocytes (Thymoglobulin® Prescribing Information).   
 
Thymoglobulin® mediates T-cell suppressive effects via inhibition of proliferative responses to 
several mitogens, with post-transcription blockade of interferon gamma and CD25 synthesis.7-10  
Possible mechanisms by which Thymoglobulin® induces immunosuppression in vivo include T-
cell clearance from the circulation and modulation of T-cell activation, homing and cytotoxic 
activities.11  T-lymphocyte depletion is observed in transplant patients shortly after administration 
of Thymoglobulin®.12  This may result from the complement-dependent lysis in the intravascular 
space or the opsonization and subsequent phagocytosis by macrophages of antibody-coated T-cells 
(Bonnefoy et al., op cit).  T-lymphocyte depletion in peripheral blood persists for several days to 
several months following cessation of Thymoglobulin® therapy, without associated morbidity.13   
 
Thymoglobulin® is currently indicated for the treatment of acute renal transplant rejection in the 
United States (US).  Thymoglobulin® has been widely prescribed in Europe since 1985, and is 
registered in 51 countries.  Clinical trials conducted outside the US have demonstrated that 
Thymoglobulin® has been used successfully in various immunosuppressive regimens to prevent 
or treat acute graft rejection following kidney, heart, liver, and pancreas transplantation.  The 
reported rates of acute rejection reversal ranged from 78% to 100% for all types of acute rejection, 
and from 74% to 94% for corticosteroid-resistant renal rejections.14-20  When used as an induction 
(prophylactic) agent, Thymoglobulin® was reported equivalent to, or better than, other 
immunosuppressive regimens, such as triple therapy or quadruple therapy using Atgam® 
(lymphocyte immune globulin, anti-thymocyte globulin [equine] sterile solution), OKT3 
(Orthoclone OKT®3 [muromonab-CD3]), or IL2 inhibitors for the prevention of graft rejection in 
various types of solid organ transplantations.  Thymoglobulin® demonstrated a consistent adverse 
event (AE) profile across published controlled clinical studies (Thymoglobulin® Investigator 
Brochure). 
 


  
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B.  Kidney Dysfunction in Liver Transplantation 
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):  Rapid decline in renal function with or without the need for renal 
replacement therapy is common in the period immediately before and after liver 
transplantation.1-4, 21-24  In a series of 105 OLT recipients, McCauley et al showed that 94.3% of 
recipients had acute renal failure defined as a 50% increase from the baseline preoperative serum 
creatinine.4  In addition, 10% of recipients in the McCauley series from Pittsburgh required renal 
replacement therapy (RRT) in the form of CVVHD or intermittent hemodialysis.4  In a Spanish 
series, Gainza et al found acute renal failure, (serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL or need for RRT), in 
46% of OLT recipients in the postoperative period.23  Series from Mount Sinai Medical Center, 
New York and Baylor College of Medicine, Dallas found a postoperative RRT rate of 22% and 
12% respectively in relatively large cohorts, (n = 1602 and 724), of OLT recipients.22, 24  Large 
differences in the reported rates of postoperative acute renal failure is partly due to the lack of 
use of a standard definition of acute renal failure of which there was none until 2004.25, 26   
 
O’Riordan employed the RIFLE criteria25 for the definition of acute renal failure in a study of 
359 OLT recipients in Ireland, and found an 11.1% postoperative incidence of 2-fold increase in 
serum creatinine and a 25.7% incidence of 3-fold postoperative increase in serum creatinine, or 
the need for RRT.2  Most studies consistently show that postoperative renal failure had a 
significant impact on post transplant outcomes, including mortality.1-4, 21-24   
 
McCauley reported an association between postoperative peak serum creatinine and mortality.4  
Mortality was  6.7%, 33.3%, 40% and 67% for peak serum creatinine of 1.7-3.0mg/dL, 3.1-
4.3mg/dL, 4.4-5.6mg/dL and 7.7-8.9mg/dL, respectively.4  In the study by O’Riordan, 30-day 
survival was 95.7%, 91.2% and 76.3% for OLT recipients with postoperative normal renal 
function, 2-fold increase in serum creatinine and 3-fold increase in serum creatinine or need for 
RRT, respectively (P<0.001 normal renal function vs. 3-fold increase in serum creatinine or 
RRT).2  The study also found a 1-year survival of 47.5% in recipients with 3-fold increase in 
serum creatinine or RRT compared to 78.4% in those with normal postoperative renal function 
(p<0.001).2  Postoperative acute renal failure that was severe enough to warrant RRT was 
associated with a 2-fold increase in hospital stay (39 days vs. 73 days)2 and a five-fold increase 
in the duration of postoperative intensive care unit stay (2 days vs. 10.5 days).24  Finally, 
postoperative acute renal failure is a potent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the 
late post-transplant period.27-29   
 
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):  Chronic kidney disease of varying severity is even more 
common than postoperative acute renal failure in OLT recipients.22, 28-33  McCauley found CKD, 
(defined as serum creatinine ≥1.7mg/dL), in 77.3% of OLT recipients.4  In contrast, when CKD 
was defined as serum creatinine >2.8mg/dL, Fisher et al found CKD in only 4% of 883 recipients 
in the United Kingdom.  Gonwa et al found CKD, (defined as serum creatinine >2.5mg/dL), in 
4.9% and end stage renal disease (ESRD) in 5.4% among 834 OLT recipients.29  In a study of 1602 
OLT recipients, Paramesh et al found an incidence of ESRD of 23% at a median time of 46 months 
after liver transplantation.22  Out of 1173 OLT recipients studied by Schmitz from Germany, CKD, 
(defined as serum creatinine ≥1.8mg/dL for ≥2 weeks), was observed in 11.7% of recipients.30  In 
a French series of 204 OLT recipients, Neau-Cransac et al reported a CKD incidence of 10.7%, 


  
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(CKD was defined as serum creatinine >2.3 mg/dL).31  The wide range in reported incidence is 
part due to the different thresholds used to define CKD.   
In a registry study of 36,849 OLT recipients in the US in which the NKF KDQOI definition of 
CKD34 was applied, investigators found a 5-year CKD stage IV-V, (stage IV CKD = eGFR 15-
29min/min/1.73m2; stage V CKD = ESRD), incident rate of 18.1%.33  Registry data in the U.S. 
indicate that 3-6% of deceased donor kidney transplantations that are currently performed in the 
U.S. go to previous recipients of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) which further worsens the 
critical shortage of transplantable organs for the overall ESRD population.33  Chronic kidney 
disease in the liver transplant population is associated with a dramatically increased predisposition 
to cardiovascular events, increased risk of hospitalization and a four-fold excess mortality when 
compared to recipients with preserved renal function.28, 35-37   
 
Risk factors known to predispose OLT recipients to CKD include pre-transplant elevated serum 
creatinine, perioperative acute renal failure, pre and post-transplant diabetes mellitus and 
hypertension.29, 33, 38  A renal biopsy and precise assessment of renal function is often not feasible 
in OLT recipients, in the immediate pre-transplant period.  Thus, it is unclear what level of renal 
function and structural renal histology predispose OLT recipients to an increased risk of CKD.  
In the OLT recipients with CKD, the underlying renal disease is often presumed to be chronic 
CNI nephropathy, but a small histologic series showed a myriad of underlying renal diseases as 
the cause of CKD in this population.29  Moreover, presumably normal pre-transplant serum 
creatinine or serum creatinine-based formulaic estimation of GFR may mask significant 
underlying pre-transplant renal disease, as serum creatinine itself is a late and imprecise measure 
of GFR decrement, particularly in patients with advanced liver disease.39   
 
An indication of the high prevalence of occult kidney disease in liver transplant candidates is a 
finding from a study of 30 OLT recipients from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, by 
McGuire et al, which showed significant histologic evidence of glomerulonephritis in 25 of the 
30 subjects who underwent intraoperative kidney biopsy at the time of OLT.  A small Australian 
series from the early 1990s also demonstrated that de novo glomerular disease was uniformly 
present in the pre-transplant kidney biopsy in 23 hepatitis C negative OLT recipients with normal 
serum creatinine and benign urinary sediment.40  These studies suggest that significant, but 
clinically occult glomerular disease, may be present in a sizable fraction of OLT recipients prior 
to liver transplantation.  Further insults related to the hemodynamic perturbation of the 
implantation surgery or CNI-based immunosuppressive therapy may unmask and accelerate the 
course of such underlying renal diseases.  Worse yet, immediate post-transplant exposure to CNI 
therapy is a major physiologic insult that may tip the balance to severe acute renal failure in the 
early post-transplant period in the recipients with underlying renal disease.   
 
Serum creatinine (sCr) has been included in the new Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-
based organ allocation system employed in the US by the United Network of Organ Sharing 
(UNOS, 2003). 
 
The MELD calculation is: MELD Score = 0.957 × Loge (creatinine mg/dL) + 0.378 × Loge 
(bilirubin mg/dL) + 1.120 ×Loge (International Normalized Ratio [INR]) + 0.643 
 


  
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While originally intended as a predictor for pre-transplant mortality, MELD, and in particular 
serum creatinine, has been shown to be a strong predictor not only of post-transplant renal function, 
but also of graft and patient survival.  Among 14,447 US and Canada liver transplants, performed 
between July 1, 1997 and March 1, 2001, there were 1,557 deaths within 90 days of transplant and 
1,484 thereafter.  Bilirubin and sCr were significantly associated with early post transplant death, 
and of the MELD factors or albumin, only sCr predicted late mortality (all p <0.001) (Wolfe, et 
al., 2003).  For long-term liver graft survivors, renal failure is the leading cause of death after10 
years (Chinnakotla, et al., op cit.).  Renal dysfunction also contributes independently to 
neurological complication after liver transplantation (Donovan, et al., op cit).   
 
C.  Thymoglobulin® in Liver Transplantation 
Preliminary data from a single-center experience, using Thymoglobulin® induction in liver 
transplantation, to delay calcineurin inhibitor use and spare renal function suggests that such a 
strategy is worth further evaluation in a prospectively designed clinical trial.  This retrospective 
analysis of 298 consecutive adult primary liver transplant recipients (66.8% male, mean age 54.8 
± 11.7 years), transplanted between 1991and 2002 has recently been presented.  A pre-transplant 
baseline sCr of 132 mmol/L, (1.5 mg/dL), was arbitrarily set as abnormal renal function (ARF). 
Fifty-nine patients (Group 1) had ARF, and 239 (Group 2) had normal renal function.  In 215 
patients, Thymoglobulin® induction was initiated on the day of surgery, at 1.5 mg/kg, for a median 
of 5.4 doses over the initial 2 weeks.  In the other 83 patients, no induction with Thymoglobulin® 
or other antibodies was used.  All patients received cyclosporine or tacrolimus (TAC) and 
corticosteroid maintenance immunosuppression.  Also, 77% of the patients received either 
mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine (Imuran).  Indications for orthotopic liver 
transplantation and demographics were similar between the two groups.   
 
Freedom from rejection was statistically significantly higher in the Thymoglobulin® group at one 
year post-transplant, (72% vs 50%; p = 0.001).  Group 1 (ARF) had lower patient and graft survival 
at 1, 6, and 12 months compared to Group 2 (normal RF); [(81, 73, 61% vs. 96, 91, 87%) for 
patient survival, and (78, 66, 54% vs. 93, 84, 79%) for graft survival, (p <0.001)].  In Group 1, the 
use of Thymoglobulin® improved early patient survival, (85% vs. 67%; p = 0.078) and early 
rejection- free graft survival, (75% vs. 42%; p = 0.018).   
 
Initiation of calcineurin inhibitor therapy was significantly delayed in the Thymoglobulin® group, 
(median Day 6 vs. Day 1; p = 0.0074).  The sCr recovered significantly for those in Group 1 who 
received Thymoglobulin® induction, by one month post-transplant.  The authors concluded that 
Thymoglobulin® induction provided an event-free early post-liver transplant course resulting in 
better early patient and graft survival, as well as a better rejection free primary graft survival.41   
 
D.  Study Rationale 
Functional recovery of renal function from acute renal failure occurs in 75% of patients at 
approximately 14 days after onset of the disease (Schrier, Diseases of the Kidney).  In liver 
transplantation, intraoperative hemodynamic insults typically lead to acute renal failure which may 
be further worsened by exposure to CNI therapy in the early postoperative period.  In practice, 
patients who demonstrate early evidence of acute renal failure often have their CNI therapy 
delayed for 4-5 days.  This duration of CNI delay is too short to have any salutary effect on the 


  
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course or severity of acute kidney injury as less than 20% of patients experience any functional 
recovery by day 5.   
 
Thymoglobulin® (Sanofi, Cambridge, MA) is a polyclonal immunosuppressive agent that is 
derived from rabbits immunized with pediatric thymocytes.  It contains antibodies to a wide variety 
of T-cell antigens and MHC antigens and is approved for the treatment of kidney rejection by the 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.  Thymoglobulin® has been shown to 
be a safe and efficacious induction therapy that permits delayed exposure to CNI therapy while 
preventing the occurrence of acute rejection in kidney transplantation.42, 43  We hypothesize that 
any perioperative insult leading to AKI in OLT recipients is unlikely to be beneficially impacted 
by a short delay of CNI introduction.  We further hypothesize that avoidance of CNI for 10 days 
will have a beneficial effect on the course and severity of perioperative AKI.  Since perioperative 
AKI is a potent risk factor for CKD in the late post-transplant period, we hypothesize that 
minimizing the risk and severity of AKI with prolonged delayed exposure to CNI will have a 
beneficial effect on renal function late after liver transplantation. 
 
INVESTIGATIONAL AGENT – [ANTI-THYMOCYTE GLOBULIN (RABBIT)] – r-ATG 
THYMOGLOBULIN®: 
 
A. Chemistry 
Thymoglobulin® (anti-thymocyte globulin [rabbit]) is a purified, pasteurized, gamma 
immunoglobulin, obtained by immunization of rabbits with human thymocytes (Thymoglobulin® 
Prescribing Information). This immunosuppressive product, a polyclonal antibody, contains 
cytotoxic antibodies of defined specificity against functional molecules on T-lymphocytes.  
Thymoglobulin® is supplied as a sterile, freeze-dried product for intravenous administration after 
reconstitution with a diluent, (Sterile Water for Injection, United States Pharmacopeia [USP]). 
 
Reconstituted preparation contains approximately 5 mg/mL of Thymoglobulin®, of which >90% 
is gamma immunoglobulin.  The reconstituted solution has a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 
7.0 ± 0.4.  To minimize the risk of transmission of infective agents, viral testing is performed 
during production, and a viral inactivation step, (pasteurization, [i.e. heat treatment of the active 
ingredient at 60°C for 10 hours]) is an integral part of the Thymoglobulin® manufacturing process.  
The potency of the product is determined by lymphocytotoxicity assay.  Each lot is analyzed and 
determined to meet quality standards before release. 
 
B.  Immunopharmacology 
The in vitro mechanism of action by which polyclonal anti-lymphocyte preparations suppress 
immune responses is not fully understood.  Thymoglobulin® includes antibodies against T-cell 
markers such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11a, CD18, CD25, CD44, CD45, HLA-DR, HLA Class 
I heavy chains, and β2 microglobulin (Bonnefoy et al., op cit),44 as well as dendritic cells45 and 
adhesion molecules.46, 47  Thymoglobulin® (>0.1 mg/mL) mediates T-cell suppressive effects via 
inhibition of proliferative responses to several mitogens with post-transcription blockade of 
interferon gamma and CD25 synthesis (Bonnefoy et al., op cit).  The in vivo mechanism of action 
of Thymoglobulin® is also not fully understood.  Possible mechanisms by which Thymoglobulin® 
may induce immunosuppression in vivo include T-cell clearance from the circulation and 
modulation of T-cell activation, homing and cytotoxic activities (Clark et al., opcit). T-lymphocyte 
depletion is promptly observed in transplant patients following administration of Thymoglobulin® 


  
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(Guttmann et al., op cit).  This may result from the complement-dependent lysis in the intravascular 
space or the opsonization and subsequent phagocytosis by macrophages of antibody-coated T cells 
(Bonnefoy et al., op cit).  T-lymphocyte depletion in peripheral blood persists for several days to 
several months following cessation of Thymoglobulin® therapy (Gaber et al., op cit).   
 
Thymoglobulin® is a potent immunosuppressive agent that demonstrates a rapid and profound 
effect in lowering white blood cells (WBC), primarily by decreasing the T-cell counts.  The 
magnitude and duration of lymphopenia have been studied.  Reductions of circulating lymphocytes 
by 83% to 92% from pretreatment values were seen after a single dose of Thymoglobulin®, and 
were sustained throughout the daily dosing period in 4 clinical pharmacology studies (data on file, 
Sanofi).  The recovery from Thymoglobulin®-induced lymphocyte depletion was gradual, 
beginning soon after cessation of therapy, with most recovered by 3 months.  Recovery may take 
longer than 3 months, but persistent lymphocyte depletion has not resulted in any morbidity.  T-
cell subsets determined by flow cytometry also demonstrate similar dramatic decreases.  In a Phase 
III randomized trial of 26 patients, T-cell depletion was greater in the Thymoglobulin®-treated 
patients as compared with the Atgam® (Pharmacia-Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI)-treated patients.  T-
cell depletion lasted for at least 90 days after the cessation of therapy.  At that time, T-cell counts 
remained 40% lower in Thymoglobulin®-treated patients than in Atgam®-treated patients (Gaber 
et al., op cit).   
 
After intravenous (IV) infusion of Thymoglobulin®, (1.25 to 1.5 mg/kg/day, each infusion 
administered over 4 hours for 7-11 days), Thymoglobulin® levels were on average 21.5 μg/mL 
(range 10-40 μg/mL), 4-8 hours post-infusion, with a half-life of 2-3 days after the first dose, and 
87 μg/mL (range 23-170 μg/mL), with a half-life of 1-3 months after the last dose (Bourdage and 
Hamlin, op cit).  During a Thymoglobulin® Phase III randomized trial, of the 108 patients 
evaluated, anti-rabbit antibodies developed in 68% of the Thymoglobulin®-treated patients, and 
anti-horse antibodies developed in 78% of the Atgam-treated patients.  These antibodies appear to 
be non- blocking, anti-isotypic antibodies.48,49   
 
C.  Overview of Clinical Efficacy and Safety 
Treatment of Acute Rejection 
A controlled, double-blind, multi-center, randomized clinical trial comparing Thymoglobulin® 
and Atgam for the reversal of acute renal allograft rejection was conducted in 163 renal transplant 
patients with biopsy-confirmed Banff Grade II (moderate), Grade III (severe), or corticosteroid-
resistant Grade I (mild) acute rejection, while receiving maintenance immunosuppressive  therapy 
(Gaber et al., op cit).  Patients were randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive 7-14 days of 
Thymoglobulin® 1.5 mg/kg/day, or Atgam 15 mg/kg/day.  Thymoglobulin® was better than or at 
least as successful as Atgam in reversing acute rejection episodes.   
 
Based on intent-to-treat analysis, 72 of 82 Thymoglobulin®-treated patients (87.8%) and 61 of 80 
Atgam-treated patients (76.3%) had a successful response to study treatment.  Ten 
Thymoglobulin®-treated patients and 21 Atgam-treated patients failed the original therapies.  
They were all rescued with subsequent center-specific treatments.  One year after treatment, 83% 
of Thymoglobulin®-treated patients compared with 75% Atgam-treated patients still had a 
functioning allograft (p = 0.194). The 1-year patient survival rate was 93% for Thymoglobulin®-
treated patients and 96% for Atgam-treated patients (p = 0.26). 


  
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Efficacy of Thymoglobulin® in Liver Transplantation 
In previous eras of transplant immunosuppression, induction with anti-lymphocyte antibodies has 
been used to reduce acute rejection. With the advent of calcineurin inhibitor-based 
immunosuppression, particularly TAC, antibody has been used less frequently in liver 
transplantation.  However, a number of transplant centers have reported single-center experiences 
with the use of Thymoglobulin® for prophylaxis of rejection in liver transplantation.  
 
The University of Indiana studied 109 adult liver transplant patients over 15 months.  Six patients 
who died in the perioperative period, prior to receiving Thymoglobulin®, were excluded. All 
patients had at least two months post-transplant follow-up.  Postoperatively, patients received 3 
doses of Thymoglobulin®, (2 mg/kg/dose), administered every other day, steroids tapered to 20 
mg/day by postoperative Day 7, and TAC initiated on postoperative Day 3-4, (trough levels 10-
12).  Elevations in liver function test numbers (LFTs) in the first 4 weeks were investigated with 
doppler ultrasound, followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).  If 
these tests were non-diagnostic, biopsy was performed to evaluate rejection.  The report noted 96% 
of patients were alive.  No graft was lost due to rejection.  Ten percent of patients had episodes of 
rejection, and a cumulative total of 6%, 8% and 10% of patients had biopsy proven rejection at 4, 
8 and >8 weeks, respectively.  All rejection episodes were reversed with a steroid pulse, and no 
patient had steroid resistant rejection.  No patient had more than 1 episode of rejection.  Three of 
the 10 patients with rejection had autoimmune hepatitis and were placed on mycophenolic acid 
(Myfortic) in addition to TAC and steroids.  Two patients experienced vascular complications, 
[(i.e. hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT)].  Thymoglobulin®-related AEs were limited to fever, 
chills, tachycardia, and worsening oxygen saturation.  No patient required reintubation as a result 
of Thymoglobulin®.  No patients had post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).   
 
In a subset analysis, 42% of patients had hepatitis C Virus (HCV).  Rejection occurred in 12% of 
HCV patients and 9% of non-HCV patients, (not statistically significant).  At 10 months post-
transplant, 31% of HCV patients had biopsy-proven hepatitis.  The authors concluded that 
Thymoglobulin® induction therapy increased patient and graft survival, lowered incidence of 
rejection, and was associated with minimal detrimental side effects (Mangus et al. 2003).   
 
In an earlier published retrospective review of 63 liver transplant recipients involving 73 OLT 
procedures, the use of Thymoglobulin® compared with a group not using Thymoglobulin® as part 
of induction therapy was evaluated.50  Standard triple therapy included cyclosporine, azathioprine 
and prednisone.  The data analyzed included patient survival, graft survival, rejection episodes, 
time to first rejection episode, hematological parameters, and infectious complications.  Fifty-
seven OLT procedures were induced with Thymoglobulin® plus triple therapy and 16 received 
triple therapy alone.  All retransplants were performed under Thymoglobulin® induction.  Three 
to 6 vials (25 mg/vial) of Thymoglobulin® were administered via IV infusion each day. Dose 
adjustments were based on WBC and platelet counts.  Doses were held when platelets were below 
30,000 X 106/mL, and/or WBC count was below 2500 x 103/mL.  Fever (61%), thrombocytopenia, 
anemia, and leucopenia were the most common AEs reported with Thymoglobulin® induction 
therapy.  These AEs were managed by dose reduction or drug administration on alternate days.  
Infectious complications were similar in both groups.  Rejection episodes occurred less frequently 
in the Thymoglobulin® group (n = 33, 58%) when compared with the triple therapy control group 


  
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(n = 12, 75%).  Rejection in the Thymoglobulin® group occurred later after transplantation, at a 
median of 51 days, compared to 11.5 days in the control group (p <0.05).  Occurrence of rejection 
while patients were on Thymoglobulin® was low, (7%), compared with the control group, (50%).  
However, patient and allograft survival at one year was slightly lower in the Thymoglobulin® 
group, (84% and 68%, respectively), compared with the control group, (94% and 81%, 
respectively).  Although, in general, patients who ultimately received Thymoglobulin® were more 
ill prior to transplant, based on their need for ventilator support (21% vs. 0%), ICU status (37% 
vs. 12%), and renal dysfunction (11.8% vs. 8.1%), prior to transplantation.  This retrospective 
study demonstrated that Thymoglobulin® as part of induction therapy resulted in a lower incidence 
of graft rejection during the first 30 days post-transplant and a longer graft survival time before 
first rejection.  In addition, Thymoglobulin® allowed for the delay of initiation of cyclosporine 
therapy for up to 3 weeks post-transplant, without an increase in infectious complications. 
 
Experience with the elimination of steroid use in OLT through induction with Thymoglobulin® 
was recently reported.51, 52 In an initial prospective, randomized study, 36 patients received 
Thymoglobulin® 1.5 mg/kg via IV infusion during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation, 
followed by a second dose on postoperative Day 1, compared with 35 liver transplant recipients 
who received methylprednisolone, 1000 mg IV during the anhepatic phase, followed by steroid 
tapering and conversion to oral prednisone.  Both groups received TAC and MMF as maintenance 
immunosuppression.  Steroids and MMF maintenance were discontinued by 3 months post LT.  
Patient survival was 91% in both groups.  Graft survival rate was 89% in both groups.  Biopsy-
proven acute rejection rate was 20.5% (n = 7/33) in the Thymoglobulin® group, all responsive to 
increased doses of TAC, compared with 32% (n = 11/33, not statistically significant) in the group 
receiving corticosteroids, of whom 7 patients required additional corticosteroids, and only 4 were 
responsive to increased doses of TAC.  The incidence rate of hepatitis C was 50% in the 
Thymoglobulin® group, and 71% in the corticosteroid group, (not statistically significant).  
Infectious complications were less in the Thymoglobulin® group, primarily due to higher 
cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in the corticosteroid group.  In summary, the authors concluded 
that Thymoglobulin® induction accompanied by TAC and MMF maintenance was effective in 
eliminating the need for concomitant corticosteroid therapy. 
 
Eason has reported follow-up on 140 OLT recipients using the prospectively randomized steroid 
induction versus the steroid-free protocol, using two doses of Thymoglobulin®, 1.5 mg/kg/dose 
(Eason 2002, op cit).  Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of TAC and MMF, with TAC 
monotherapy at 2 weeks in the Thymoglobulin® induction, steroid-free group, and at 3 months in 
the steroid group. Patients receiving Thymoglobulin® induction had a lower incidence of steroid-
requiring rejection, (3% vs. 62%, p = 0.01).  The incidence of post-transplant diabetes was 5% in 
the Thymoglobulin® induction group, compared with 16% in steroid-treated patients (p <0.05).  
The incidence of CMV infection was lower in the Thymoglobulin® induction patients, (9%), 
compared with steroid-treated patients, (19%).  The incidence of recurrent hepatitis C was 58% in 
Thymoglobulin® induction patients, compared with 72% in steroid-treated patients, with more 
steroid-treated patients progressing to fibrosis.  The authors concluded that steroid-free 
immunosuppression using Thymoglobulin® and TAC monotherapy, “is effective in preventing 
rejection and minimizing severity of rejection with a decreased incidence of immunosuppression-
related adverse effects.” 


  
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Another recent preliminary report of a retrospective study compared two immunosuppressive 
therapies for adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients with respect to prevention 
of acute cellular rejection (ACR), TAC dose and toxicities, and graft and patient survival.  Between 
May, 2001 and December, 2002, 29 LDLT were performed.  The first 17 patients, (Group 1), were 
treated with TAC and steroids.  The additional 12 patients, (Group 2), were treated with a steroid-
sparing protocol using low dose TAC and Thymoglobulin® administered as a 5 mg/kg dose via 
continuous infusion, over 4 hours, prior to surgery.  Clinical records were reviewed to assess the 
following variables: mean daily TAC dose at 2 months after transplant, Thymoglobulin® and 
calcineurin inhibitor side effects, ACR, infections, and graft and patient survival.  There was no 
notable difference in demographics between the 2 groups, (age, sex, diagnosis, and UNOS status).  
The mean follow-up was 7 months.  There were no reported complications from the 
Thymoglobulin® infusion.  Five of the 17 patients (30%) in Group 1 experienced early, (<30 days), 
biopsy-proven rejection episodes; two of the 12 patients (17%) in Group 2, experienced early 
rejection.  All the rejection episodes in both groups were mild and   responded to 2 steroid boluses, 
and no grafts were lost to rejection.  Mean daily TAC dose at 2 months was 5.2 mg/day in Group 
1, and 2.1 mg/day in Group 2 (p <0.05).  The number of viral infectious episodes was similar in 
both groups.  No TAC-related neurotoxicity was seen in Group 2, while two patients in Group 1 
were switched to sirolimus monotherapy due to TAC neurotoxicity.  No change from TAC to 
another drug was made in any patient in Group 2.  Patient survival was as follows: three patients 
in Group 1 died, all from sepsis.  All 12 patients in Group 2 were alive and well.  The authors 
concluded that these very preliminary results of Thymoglobulin® induction, followed by 
postoperative steroid-free low dose TAC in the controlled setting of LDLT, showed that 
Thymoglobulin® induction was safe and provided adequate immunosuppression, with minimal 
risk of rejection, less risk of CNI toxicities, and improved graft and patient survival, when 
compared to historic controls with standard TAC and steroid immunosuppression (Masetti et al., 
2003).   
 
In summary, induction with Thymoglobulin® has been reported to lower acute rejection rates.  It 
has been used in protocols to spare the use of steroids and calcineurin inhibitors.  The rate of 
recurrence of hepatitis C infection in some series was lower, but was not statistically significant.   
 
Overview of Thymoglobulin® Safety 
Total patient exposure to Thymoglobulin® worldwide, since 1984, when Thymoglobulin® was 
first licensed in France, is approximately 2.1 million vials, equivalent to over 54,000 courses.  
Thymoglobulin® induces T-cell depletion and modulation.  The lymphocyte count is reduced by 
>85% after the first dose, with reductions sustained throughout a course of treatment.  T-cell 
depletion in peripheral blood persists for several days to several months following cessation of 
treatment.  Approximately 60% of patients are expected to experience AEs with the use of 
Thymoglobulin®.  Thymoglobulin® presents a consistent AE profile, with AEs that are generally 
manageable or reversible (Granjard et al., 1989).  AEs with Thymoglobulin® occur with similar 
or less frequency than those reported with other polyclonal, anti-T-cell agents.  The most 
frequently reported AEs include fever, chills, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, diarrhea, 
and abdominal pain.  These usually occur after the first infusion.  The cause of some of these AEs 
is probably related to cytokine release.  Premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines, and 
a decrease in the infusion rate may reduce the incidence and severity of certain AEs.  While 


  
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anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions are rare, delayed allergic responses in the form of serum 
sickness have been reported.   
 
In a US Phase III controlled clinical trial (N = 163), comparing the efficacy and safety of 
Thymoglobulin® and Atgam for the treatment of acute renal allograft rejection, the AEs were 
similar in both treatment groups and were generally manageable or reversible (Gaber et al, op cit).  
Infection and PTLD are associated with use of immunosuppressive agents, including 
Thymoglobulin®.  Some transient abnormalities of liver function tests have been described in 
patients with aplastic anemia, treated with Thymoglobulin® or other anti-thymocyte globulins.  It 
is not clear whether these rarely reported abnormalities are related to the disease and pre-existing 
liver dysfunction, or to the treatment.53   
 
In a more recent retrospective, single center, comparative study (Bajjoka et al) 118 patients 
received Thymoglobulin® with delayed initiation of CNI at 4.6 + 2.3 days, compared to 80 patients 
treated with early initiation of CNI at 1.9 + 2.5 days after liver transplantation.  The 
Thymoglobulin® group had a significantly higher baseline serum creatinine (2.8 vs. 2.2, P=0.005) 
and lower baseline eGFR (30.4 vs. 37.4, P<0.001).  At one year post transplant the 
thymoglobulin® group had a significantly lower serum creatinine (1.4 vs. 1.7, P<0.001), and 
higher eGFR (57.3 vs. 43.7, P<0.001).  A significantly lower number of patients in the 
thymoglobulin® group stayed on dialysis at one year (0.8% vs. 13%, P<0.001).  Graft and patient 
survival at one year were the same, and there was less incidence of rejection in the 
Thymoglobulin® group54.  
 
In a recent phase I/II randomized, controlled trial of 2 different doses of Thymoglobulin® and 
extended delay of CNI initiation,  compared to early CNI therapy after liver transplantation, serum 
creatinine and eGFR in patients induced with Thymoglobulin® was significantly better at one 
year, (1.0 vs. 1.1 vs. 1.5mg/dL), and (87.8 vs. 72.0 vs. 51.0 mL/min) respectively.  The study was 
designed in three groups, 10 patients per group.  In one group the Thymoglobulin® dose was 3 
mg/Kg (2 doses of 1.5 mg/Kg); in the second group the Thymoglobulin® dose was 4.5 mg/Kg (3 
doses of 1.5 mg/Kg).  Patients in these two groups received CNI by Day 10 after transplantation. 
The third group received early CNI, within two days after liver transplantation. Rejection rate was 
higher in the low-dose Thymoglobulin® group, but there was no difference in patient and graft 
survival at one year. 55 
 
An overview of the safety profile of Thymoglobulin® is presented.  The most common systemic 
AEs during and after Thymoglobulin® infusion are: fever (63%), chills (57%), pain (46%), 
headache (40%), abdominal pain (38%), diarrhea (37%), hypertension (37%), nausea (37%), 
peripheral edema (34%), dyspnea (28%), asthenia (27%), hyperkalemia (27%), and tachycardia 
(27%), (Thymoglobulin® Prescribing Information).  Hypotension, vomiting, and malaise have 
also been commonly reported.  The likely mechanism of action for these events is the release of 
cytokines during the first dose administration, particularly if appropriate premedications were not 
administered.  Localized AEs, such as pain at the infusion site and peripheral thrombophlebitis, 
have also been reported.  Rare delayed allergic reactions such as serum sickness, (fever, pruritus, 
and rash associated with joint and muscle pain), may occur 7 to 15 days post-treatment initiation. 
Immediate serious allergic reactions and/or anaphylaxis are very rare. 
 


  
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AEs associated with the presence of antibodies inducing cross-reactions such as leucopenia (57%) 
and thrombocytopenia (37%) have been reported during and after treatment with 
Thymoglobulin®, (Thymoglobulin® Prescribing Information).  These reactions may emerge 
during the first 2 days of treatment or after treatment. The mechanism of action likely causing 
these effects involves the presence of antibodies cross-reacting with shared antigens of 
lymphocytes, neutrophils, and platelets, or additive effects from concomitant medication.  
Monitoring of the WBC and platelet counts enables the severity and frequency of such reactions 
to be reduced. 
 
AEs associated with over-immunosuppression, including infectious complications (bacterial, 
fungal, viral, and/or protozoal), and malignancies, (particularly lymphoproliferative syndrome), 
have been reported.  It is important to note that concomitant or previous immunosuppressive 
treatments may contribute to over-immunosuppression.  Appropriate anti-infective prophylaxis 
will significantly reduce the incidence of infections and possibly the incidence of viral-associated 
malignancies. 
 
STUDY OBJECTIVES: 
A.  Primary Objective:   
 To determine if a 10 day delayed introduction of CNI reduces the risk/incidence of 
perioperative acute kidney injury, (AKI), and long-term renal dysfunction in patients 
undergoing liver transplantation.  
 
B.  Secondary Objective(s):   
 To determine if a 10 day delayed introduction of CNI affects the risk of graft rejection. 
 Determine patient survival at 6 months post-transplant and compare survival rates between 
the two groups. 
 Determine graft survival at 6 months post-transplant and compare graft survival rates 
between the two groups. 
 Determine the incidence of AEs and SAEs in each group. 
 
INVESTIGATIONAL PLAN: 
A.  Overall Study Design 
This is a 24-month, Phase II, multi-center, two-arm, randomized study of adult patients receiving 
a single organ liver transplant from a deceased donor; the purpose being to determine the efficacy 
of Thymoglobulin® induction and delayed initiation of CNI in the long-term preservation of renal 
function after liver transplantation.  This study is based on the outcomes of an earlier phase I pilot 
study which was performed at the Cleveland Clinic.   
 
Study subjects will be asked to sign the Informed Consent at the time of admission for liver 
transplantation at Cleveland Clinic, and three other transplant centers, (University of Cincinnati, 
Medical College of Wisconsin, and Cleveland Clinic Weston, Florida), prior to OLT and prior to any 
study procedures, (that are not SOC), being performed.  All subjects should be familiar with the Informed 
Consent and its content, and have been given opportunity to have their questions answered about the 
study, prior to signing the Informed Consent.  
 
The length of the study will be approximately 24-36 months to allow for recruitment, and 
approximately 12 months of ongoing follow-up after the last patient is enrolled.  A total of 110 


  
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subjects will be randomized (1:1) into one of two groups, 55 subjects per group.  Subjects 
randomized to Group 1 will receive Thymoglobulin® induction, (4.5 mg/Kg, in 3 doses of 1.5 
mg/Kg/dose), and delayed initiation of CNI, (to begin on Day 10 post LT).  Subjects randomized 
to Group 2 will receive will receive early CNI initiation, (to be started no later than Day 2 post 
LT), and no Thymoglobulin® induction, (or any other antibody).  In addition, all subjects will 
receive Mycophenolate Mofetile (MMF) and Corticosteroid immunosuppression as stated in 
Table 1. 
 
Table 1:  Immunosuppression Protocol 
 
The Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will review the data on the first 30 subjects who have 
completed 30 days study enrollment. 
 
Primary Endpoints: 
 The incidence of AKI at 30 days post-transplant. 
 Serum creatinine and eGFR at 30 days post-transplant. 
 
Secondary Endpoints: 
 The incidences of acute cellular rejection, (ACR), at 30 days post-transplant. 
 Patient survival at 6 months post-transplant. 
 Graft survival at 6 months post-transplant. 
 The incidences of AEs and SAEs. 
The primary endpoint for the study is a composite renal endpoint of Acute Kidney Injury, (stages 
2 to 3), at 30 days post OLT.  The staging of AKI will follow the classification system proposed 
by the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) depicted in Table 2.26 
PHASE II RANDOMIZED 2-ARM MULTI-CENTER STUDY 
Treatment 
GROUP/ARM 1 
Thymoglobulin® + Delayed 
CNI 
GROUP/ARM 2 
Early CNI Group 
Thymoglobulin® 
Thymoglobulin® 1.5 mg/kg/dose  
Day 0, 2, and 4  
(Total 4.5 mg/kg) 
None 
Tacrolimus 
Start on post-transplant 
Day 10 
Start no later than 48 hours post-
transplant 
Mycophenolate mofetile 
1000 mg BID start on day one 
post-transplant  
1000 mg BID start on day one 
post-transplant 
Corticosteroids 
As per Transplant Center 
Immunosuppression Protocol - 
Taper off between 21 days-6 
months post LT 
As per Transplant Center 
Immunosuppression Protocol - 
Taper off between 21 days-6 
months post LT 


  
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TABLE 2:  Classification / Staging for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) 
Classification/Staging System for Acute Kidney Injury26 
Stage: 
Serum Creatinine Criteria 
Urine Output Criteria: 
1 
Increase in serum creatinine of  ≥ 0.3 mg/dL,       
(≥ 26.4 μmol/L), or an increase of ≥ 150% to 
200%,        (1.5 to 2-fold), from baseline. 
Less than 0.5 mL/kg per 
hour for more than 6 hours 
2 
Increase in serum creatinine of > 200% to 300%, 
(>2 to 3-fold), from baseline. 
Less than 0.5 mL/kg per 
hour for more than 12 hours 
3a 
Increase in serum creatinine to more than 300%, 
(>3-fold), from baseline, (or serum creatinine of ≥ 
4 mg/dL, [≥354 μmol], with an acute increase of ≥ 
0.5 mg/dL, [44 μmol/L]. 
 
Less than 0.3 mL/kg per 
hour for 24 hours, or anuria 
for 12 hours. 
aOnly one criterion (creatinine or urine output) must be fulfilled to qualify for a stage. 
Individuals receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) are considered to have met the criteria 
for Stage 3 irrespective of the stage they were in at the time of RRT. 
 
B.  Patient Population 
Study participants will be recruited from the Liver Transplant Programs at Cleveland Clinic, 
Cleveland, Ohio; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin, and Cleveland Clinic Weston, Florida  
C.  Number of Patients:  One hundred and ten (110) liver transplant recipients will be enrolled 
in this study, approximately 40-50 patients at Cleveland Clinic, (the lead center), and 15-25 
patients at each of the three additional participating centers (number of enrollment may vary at 
different centers).   
Sample size estimates for study of liver dysfunction 
 
Sample sizes were computed on the bases of using Welch’s two-sample t-tests to compare 
changes in creatinine between the control and the thymo 4.5 groups.  Assumptions regarding 
differences in means and standard deviations for each group were based on the results of 
preliminary data and are given in Table 3.  The smaller of the two standard deviations was varied 
along a range from that observed in the preliminary data to being equal to the larger standard 
deviation.  The former would tend to yield smaller sample sizes, while the latter larger.  
Assuming that 10% of the patients that are initially enrolled will drop-out before 12 months 
values are measured, the sample sizes indicated should be increased by 10% to account for this 
drop-out. 
 
These calculations were done using SAS software (version 9.3, Cary, NC).  A significance level 
of 5% and two-tailed tests were assumed for all testing. 
 


  
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For delta creatinine, we are assuming a difference in means between groups of 0.32.  In the pilot 
data delta creatininte in the control group had a standard deviation of 0.51, while the thymo 4.5 
group a standard deviation of 0.12.  Therefore, three levels of standard deviation—0.12, 0.32, 
and 0.51.  Based on these calculations, enrolling enough patients to meet the sample size 
requirements for detecting differences in delta creatinine (within 2 SD, 0.32) will mean having 
ample sample size for detecting differences in month 12 GFR. Accordingly, we noticed that a 
sample size of 110 (55 in each group) would give us 90% power with the safest margin for 10% 
dropouts throughout the study.  
 
Table 3. Minimum sample sizes need to achieve desired 
levels of power 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power 
Comparison 
Difference 
SD1 
SD2 
80% 
90% 
Delta Creatinine 
0.32 
0.51 
0.12 
46 
60 
 
 
 
0.32 
58 
78 
 
 
 
0.51 
82 
110 
Month 12 GFR 
36.8 
26.6 
20.5 
16 
20 
 
 
 
23 
18 
22 
 
 
 
26.6 
20 
26 
 
 
D.  Selection of Study Population: 
INCLUSION CRITERIA  
 Patients undergoing deceased donor solitary liver transplantation. 
 Age 18 – 75 years at the time of transplantation. 
 Willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures. 
 Signed Informed Consent Form. 
 For patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma as indication for OLT, (must be within the 
Milan Criteria)  
 Hepatitis C positive or negative patients. 
 
 
 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
 Prior kidney transplantation. 
 Congenital or iatrogenic absence of one kidney. 
 Subjects on renal replacement therapy at the time of OLT.  
 MELD score >34. 
 HIV positive patient. 
 Patient with current severe systemic infection. 
 History of bacterial peritonitis within 30 days prior to OLT. 
 Active infection or recent infection within 30 days prior to OLT. 


  
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 Use of a calcineurin inhibitors continuously, for more than 90 days, within the past 6 
months. 
 History of hypersensitivity to thymoglobulin®, rabbits, tacrolimus or iohexol.  
 Pregnant and/or nursing (lactating) females.   
 Women of childbearing potential who are unwilling to use effective contraceptive methods 
during the duration of the study. 
E.  Patient Numbering 
Enrollment will take place after completion of OLT, (within 3 hours post completion of liver 
transplantation).  At the time of enrollment, each subject will be assigned a unique subject 
identifier, beginning with the Site Specific Acronym, [Cleveland Clinic = CC; University of 
Cincinnati = UC; Medical College of Wisconsin = MW, and Cleveland Clinic Weston = WE].  The 
Site Acronym will be followed by hyphen [-], and a sequential three digit subject number, [i.e. 
001, 002, 003, etc.], for identification.  Assigned, (three digit), subject numbers will be sequential, 
and represent a subject within each clinical site.    
 
Once the subject is enrolled into the study, he/she will be assigned the lowest available subject 
number at that Study Site.  If the subject fails to be randomized, for whatever reason, the subject’s 
number and reason for not progressing into the trial will be entered on the Study Enrollment Log.  
Once assigned to a subject, a subject number will not be reused.  All subjects who fulfill all the 
inclusion criteria and do not meet any of the exclusion criteria will be assigned a Randomization 
Number, at the time of Randomization.  This number will be used to link the subject to his/her 
respective treatment group.  
F.  Treatment Group Assignment 
A randomization schedule will be generated and kept by each transplant center, after approval of 
the protocol by the Cleveland Clinic IRB, and each participating center’s respective IRB, and prior 
to Study Start-up.  Randomization numbers will be assigned in the order in which subjects qualify 
for treatment, not in the order of study subject enrollment.  
 
Subject randomization will be performed provided the patient has signed the Informed Consent 
AND met all Study Entry Criteria, (Inclusion and Exclusion), AND is “Enrolled” into the Study.  
Randomization will be performed within 6 hours of the patient’s arrival to the Intensive 
Care Unit, (ICU), after the transplant procedure.  Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to 
receive delayed CNI with 4.5 mg/Kg Thymoglobulin® [Group 1], or early CNI therapy [Group 
2].  All subjects will receive maintenance therapy with MMF and corticosteroids.   
G.  Early Patient Withdrawal/Study Treatment Discontinuation 
Subjects may voluntarily withdraw from the study or be withdrawn from the study, at the 
discretion of the investigator, at any time.  A patient should be withdrawn from the study if the 
investigator believes that continuation would be detrimental to the patient’s well-being.  Reasons 
for Study Treatment Discontinuation / Early Patient Withdrawal are: 
 Death after consent, but prior to randomization. 
 Graft loss and/or re-transplantation. 
 Pregnancy. 
 Withdrawal of informed consent, (subject’s decision to withdraw for any reason). 


  
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 Any clinically significant AE/SAE(s), laboratory abnormality, and/or incurrent illness 
which, in the opinion of the investigator, indicates that continued treatment with study 
therapy and/or further participation in the study, (including obtaining vital status of the 
subject and allograft), is not in the best interest of the subject. 
 Unsatisfactory therapeutic effect (e.g. repeated acute rejection). 
 Termination of the study by the investigating center or withdrawal of funds by Sanofi. 
 Significant protocol violation. 
 Protocol deviation resulting in significant patient safety risk. 
 Subjects who for any reason cannot be followed and/or are unable to meet the 
requirements of the protocol. 
 
If Early Patient Withdrawal occurs, or if the subject fails to return for scheduled study visits, 
the investigator must determine and document which of the above reasons led to the patient’s 
premature withdrawal.  For subjects who are lost to follow-up, the investigator should show 
"due diligence" by documenting in the source documents steps taken to contact the patient, 
[e.g. date(s) along with  documentation of telephone calls, registered letter(s), etc].  Subjects 
who are prematurely withdrawn from study medication or from the study will not be 
replaced.  Withdrawal of a subject from study treatment does not imply that the subject is 
withdrawn from the study.  
H.  Discontinued Subjects 
The investigator should accept only those subjects who give a reasonable indication that they will 
complete the study and comply with study procedures.  An evaluation that reflects the status of the 
subject at premature termination, with a final assessment and reason(s) for termination, must be 
documented.  No replacements will be allowed for treated subjects who do not complete the study. 
 
STUDY TREATMENTS: 
A.  Investigational and Control Drugs 
 
The administration of Thymoglobulin®, to allow for delayed initiation of CNI, is the 
Investigational Treatment of the study.  It will be administered only to those subjects randomized 
to Group 1/Arm 1, the delayed CNI group/arm.  Subjects randomized to Group 2, the early CNI 
treatment group/arm will not receive any placebo therapy.   The dosing of Thymoglobulin® will 
be a total of 4.5 mg/Kg, administered as 1.5 mg/Kg/dose, in 3 divided doses.   
 
All Thymoglobulin® infusions will be administered through a central IV line, via a volumetric 
infusion pump, through a 0.22 micron filter.  The first dose of Thymoglobulin® will be infused 
over 6-12 hours, on Day 0, after liver transplantation, (within 12 hours after arrival to the 
Intensive Care Unit).  The subsequent two (2) additional doses of Thymoglobulin® will be 
infused over 4-6 hours (each dose), on Day 2 and Day 4 post LT.   
 
Subjects are to receive pre-medications, (according to the antibody infusion protocols of each 
investigative center), [e.g. corticosteroids, anti-histamine, and acetaminophen], to minimize 
infusion related events. 
 


  
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A total of 110 subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two Treatment Groups/Arms, in a 1:1 
ratio, (55 subjects per Group/Arm). 
 
Group 1/Arm 1:  [Thymoglobulin® Induction (4.5mg/Kg – Total Dose – administered in 3 
Infusions of 1.5mg/Kg per Infusion {Each dose of Thymoglobulin® to be corrected (rounded 
up or down to the nearest 25mg dose) – the maximum single dose not to exceed 150mg}, on 
Day(s) 0, 2, and 4 post OLT)], plus Delay CNI initiation – CNI start on Day 10 post OLT, plus 
MMF and Corticosteroids.   
 
Group 2/Arm 2:  [Early CNI – CNI initiation by Day 2 post OLT], plus MMF and Corticosteroids.  
No Thymoglobulin®/or any other Antibody induction. 
 
B.  Dose Adjustments / Dose Holds / Discontinuation:  
Thymoglobulin® dose adjustments should be based on AEs / SAEs. 
 
The Following will Necessitate a Dose Reduction, and/or Discontinuation of Thymoglobulin® 
Infusion [Dose 2 and/or Dose 3]: 
 Major/Severe Allergic Reaction or Anaphylactic Reaction – all further 
Thymoglobulin® Infusions are to be DISCONTINUED – patient will be taken 
“Off Study”. 
 ANC less than 1200 cells/µL  - Reduce dose by 50% 
 ANC less than 800 cells/µL  -  Hold dose and re-evaluate the following day 
 Platelet count: <20000 give half of the dose or delay the dose for 24h and re-
check. Infuse platelets if platelet count is still <20000 after 24h of delay before 
Thymo infusion. Do not infuse if platelet count is <10000. 
 
 
 
INFUSION REACTION: 
 All patients are to be pre-medicated with [corticosteroids, antihistamine, 
acetaminophen (per institutional standard)], prior to each Thymoglobulin® Infusion, 
(in order to minimize the incidence of “infusion reaction”). 
 
 In the event of Thymoglobulin® Infusion Reaction [fatigue, headache, nausea, 
vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, pruritus, urticaria] – INTERRUPT THE 
INFUSION AND INFORM THE PHYSICIAN BEFORE RESUMING THE 
INFUSION.   
 
 
 The infusion may be resumed at a 50% decreased flow rate (with a maximum length 
of infusion of 8 hours):  
 
AS CLINICALLY INDICATED, BASED ON: 
 The patient’s reaction 
 The clinical decision of the Physician/Investigator at each Center  
 Each center’s “Institutional Standard”   


  
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Vital Signs should be checked and the patient assessed every 15 minutes until the 
infusion is completed.  The Infusion Reaction is to be documented on the Infusion 
Record and the AE CRF. 
 
SEVERE INFUSION REACTION: 
[Hypotension / Shortness of Breath / Bronchospasm / Anaphylaxis] 
 STOP THE INFUSION AND NOTIFY THE PHYSICIAN 
 FOLLOW INSTITUTIONAL PROTOCOL FOR SEVERE DRUG REACTION   
 
C.  Treatment Blinding 
 
This is an open-label study. 
 
D.  Study Drug Supply, Storage, and Tracking: 
 
Thymoglobulin® is the Study Drug.  Sanofi will supply the Study Drug, [Thymoglobulin® (r-
ATG)] directly to the study sites (Cleveland Clinic, University Cincinnati, Medical College of 
Wisconsin, and Cleveland Clinic Weston). . Drug accountability and monitoring, will be on these 
individual study sites.  
 
Study drug will be received by designated person(s) at each Study Site.  Study drug will be 
handled and stored safely and properly, and kept in a secure location.  Upon receipt, all 
study drug will be stored according to instructions specified on the drug label.  Study drug 
and supplies are to be dispensed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and 
clinical trial protocol. 
 
The Study Pharmacy personnel at each Study Site will maintain accurate records of the 
study drug shipment(s) received and the dispensing of study drug in a drug accountability 
ledger.  Monitoring of drug accountability will be performed by the Study Pharmacy 
personnel at each Study Site. At the conclusion of the study all unused drug will be 
disposed of as per the guidelines set forth by Sanofi and each Study Site Policy/Standard of 
Practice/Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).  The drug accountability ledger will be kept 
at the Study Site, in the Site Pharmacy, in accordance with each Study Site’s Policies. 
 
 
 
 
E.  Dispensing of Investigational Drug: 
 
Patients randomized to Group 1/Arm 1 will receive Thymoglobulin®, to be dispensed from each 
Study Site’s respective pharmacy.  The preparation and methods of administration of 
Thymoglobulin® will be according to the recommended dosing guidelines of the manufacturer.  
Prior to dispensing study drug to the patient, a Drug label will be affixed to each dose of 
Thymoglobulin®.  Each drug label will identify the patient, in accordance with each Study Site’s 
Policy and Standard of Practice/Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).  Drug labels will comply 


  
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with all legal requirements.  Proper storage conditions and drug administration instructions are to 
be printed on the drug label. 
 
OTHER MEDICATIONS/THERAPIES USED IN THE STUDY: 
A.  CNI Treatment:   
Tacrolimus will be the only CNI used in this study, [with the exception of change over to 
cyclosporine in the event of neurotoxicity due to tacrolimus].   
 
Tacrolimus will be administered to all subjects according to the protocol-specified dosing 
regimen, [to maintain Tacrolimus Blood Trough (C-0h) Levels/Concentrations] shown in  
Table 4. Tacrolimus to be administered by mouth or through the NG tube [suspension] if not 
able to take by mouth. In rare cases, better if not, could be administered as sublingual. We should 
try not to use tacrolimus as intravenous unless absolutely necessary.  
 
           Table 4: 
Tacrolimus Blood Trough (C-0h) Levels / Concentration-Guided Dosing Regimen  
 
Group 2 / Arm 1 
Thymoglobulin® / Delayed CNI Group 
Group 2 / Arm 2 
Early CNI Group 
Day(s) Post OLT  
Blood Trough C-0h Level 
Blood Trough C-0h Level 
Day(s)   0-10 
N/A – No CNI permitted 
≥ 8 ng/mL and ≤ 12 
ng/mL 
Day(s) 10-30 
≥ 6 ng/mL and ≤ 12 ng/mL 
≥ 6 ng/mL and ≤ 12 
ng/mL 
Day(s) 31-60 
≥ 6 ng/mL and ≤ 10 ng/mL 
≥ 6ng/mL and ≤ 10ng/mL 
Day(s) 61-90 
≥ 5 ng/mL and ≤ 8 ng/mL 
≥ 5 ng/mL and ≤ 8 ng/mL 
Day(s) 91-179 
≥ 5 ng/mL and ≤ 8 ng/mL 
≥ 5 ng/mL and ≤ 8 ng/mL 
Day(s) 180+ 
≥ 3 ng/mL and ≤ 8 ng/mL 
≥ 3 ng/mL and ≤ 8 ng/mL 
 
In the event of CNI intolerance, (e.g. nephrotoxicity), dose reduction of tacrolimus may be 
necessary.  The tacrolimus dose may be adjusted as needed by Investigator.  All dose 
adjustments/modifications will be recorded on the appropriate CRF page, at each Study Visit.   
 
In the event of neurotoxicity, due to tacrolimus, the patient will be switched over to cyclosporine 
as the CNI alternative.  In this event the patient will not need to be removed from the study.  This 
change in CNI, (from tacrolimus to cyclosporine), will be recorded on the appropriate CRF.     
 
 
 
Cyclosporine (CsA) will be administered to maintain Cyclosporine Blood Trough (C-0h) 
Levels/Concentrations shown in Table 5. 
 
Table5: 


  
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Cyclosporine (CsA) Blood Trough (C-0h) Levels / Concentration-Guided Dosing 
Regimen  
 
Group 2 / Arm 1 
Thymoglobulin®/Delayed CNI 
Group 
Group 2 / Arm 2 
Early CNI Group 
Day(s) Post OLT  
Blood Trough C-0h Level 
Blood Trough C-0h Level 
Day(s)   0-10 
N/A – No CNI permitted 
≥ 200  ng/mL and ≤ 300  
ng/mL 
Day(s) 10-30 
≥  150 ng/mL and ≤ 250   ng/mL 
≥ 150  ng/mL and ≤ 250  
ng/mL 
Day(s) 31-60 
≥  150 ng/mL and ≤ 200   ng/mL 
≥ 150  ng/mL and ≤ 200  
ng/mL 
Day(s) 61-90 
≥  100 ng/mL and ≤ 200   ng/mL 
≥ 100  ng/mL and ≤ 200  
ng/mL 
Day(s) 91-179 
≥  100 ng/mL and ≤ 150   ng/mL 
≥ 100  ng/mL and ≤ 150  
ng/mL 
Day(s) 180+ 
≥  100 ng/mL and ≤ 150   ng/mL 
≥ 100  ng/mL and ≤ 150  
ng/mL 
B.  Corticosteroids: 
All subjects in the study will be treated with daily corticosteroids based on each Study Site’s Liver 
Transplant Corticosteroid taper protocol. Study subjects are to be tapered off corticosteroids 
according to the respective center’s tapering protocol, and by 6 months post LT, 
[with the exception of those patients who require low dose corticosteroid maintenance for 
primary hepatic disease for which OLT was performed].  
 
The following Prednisone taper schedule to be used at Cleveland Clinic.  Prednisone – 
1000mg IV intra-operative – Day 0.  Day 1 – 50mg Q 6 hrs. X 4 doses.   Day 2 – 40mg Q 6 hrs. 
X 4 doses.  Day 3 – 30mg Q 6 hrs. X 4 doses.  Day 4 – 20mg Q 6 hrs. X 4 doses.   Day 5 – 20mg 
Q 12 hrs. X 2 doses.  Then 20mg daily X 4 days; 15mg daily X 4 days; 10mg daily X 4 days; 
5mg daily X 4 days; Then D/C.  Patient to be off Prednisone after Day 21 post LT.  Prednisone 
doses may be administered IV or NG if patient is unable to take PO/orally. 
C.  Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) Therapy: 
All subjects in the study will be treated with MMF for a minimum of 6 months.  The initial dosing 
of MMF is to be 2 Grams daily, (1 Gram twice daily – every 12 Hours).  The dose can be 
subsequently adjusted at the Investigator’s discretion, based on subject tolerance and AEs.  
Mycophenolate Mofetil should be administered orally, (PO/NG).  However, intravenous (IV) 
dosing is permitted, if needed, due to intercurrent illness, postoperative ileus, or other causes, at 
the Investigator’s discretion.  Initial dose of MMF to be administered IV or NG on Day 0, after 
OLT.  Subsequent doses should be administered PO or NG, as soon as the subject is able to tolerate 
medications by mouth.  The dose and schedule may be adjusted on the basis of laboratory values, 
(e.g. decreased WBCs), and subject tolerability, (as stated below).  For full prescribing 
information, see the package insert. 
 


  
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For subjects who develop nausea, diarrhea, or other MMF-related gastrointestinal side effects, the 
MMF dose may be decreased to the maximally tolerated dose.  For subjects who develop 
neutropenia, dosing with MMF should be interrupted, or dose reduced as per the package insert.  
 
 
D.  Prophylaxis Therapies: 
 
Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti-Pneumocystis jirovesi (carinii) Prophylaxis: 
   Standard antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-Pneumocystis jirovesi (carinii) pneumonia 
prophylaxis therapies will be administered based on Institutional standards.  All prophylaxis 
dosing should be consistent for all patients at the same institution. 
 
CMV Prophylaxis: 
 
CMV reactivation is common in the transplant population.  Therefore, antiviral prophylaxis for 
CMV will be as follows: 
Required CMV prophylaxis therapy is presented in Table 6 below. 
Table 6:  Required CMV Prophylaxis Therapy or similar coverage per center protocol: 
Status 
Required Prophylaxis Therapy 
Donor ()/Recipient () 
Acyclovir 400mg PO BID x 3 months 
Donor ()/Recipient (+) 
Valganciclovir 900 mg PO, BID x 14 days  
OR 
Ganciclovir 5mg/kg IV Q12 hr x 14days [for those patients unable to take PO meds]  
Then Acyclovir 400mg PO BID x 3 months. 
Donor (+)/Recipient () 
Same as Donor ()/Recipient (+) 
Donor (+)/Recipient (+) 
Same as Donor ()/Recipient (+) 
Adjustment of Ganciclovir / Valganciclovir for Renal Dysfunction: 
Ganciclovir: 
 
CrCl (>80) 
5mg/kg Q12 hrs 
 
CrCl (50-79) 2.5mg/kg Q12 hrs 
 
CrCl (25-49) 2.5mg/kg Q24hrs 
 
CrCl (<25) 
1.25mg/kg Q24hrs 
Valganciclovir: 
 
CrCl (>60) 
900 mg BID 
 
CrCl (40-59) 450 mg BID 
 
CrCl (25-39) 450 mg Q24hrs 
 
CrCl (10-24) 450 mg Q48hrs 


  
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E.  Liver Biopsies   
There are no “protocol-driven” Liver Biopsies in the Study.  However, a Liver Biopsy will be 
necessary in the following instances for confirmatory diagnosis: 
 For “suspected” Acute Cellular Rejection (ACR) 
 For Hepatitis C (HCV) recurrence (for HCV positive patients), or as per institutional 
standard for HCV-positive patients.  
 F.  Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Rejection Episodes: 
In the event of suspected acute liver allograft rejection, an allograft biopsy MUST be performed 
PRIOR to the initiation of anti-rejection therapy.  Whenever possible, anti-rejection therapy 
should be postponed until a histological diagnosis of rejection is confirmed.  These biopsies will 
be read locally at each clinical center and the histological lesions will be graded according to the 
Grading of Acute Liver Allograft Rejection, (Banff).  Biopsy results from the local pathologist 
are to be recorded on the Liver Allograft Biopsy CRF.  Patients experiencing a Biopsy Proven 
Acute Rejection (BPAR) episode should be treated in accordance with the Study Site standard 
practice.  Treatment is to be consistent for all subjects at each respective Study Site.  Details of 
treatment of rejection will be recorded on the appropriate CRF.  A biopsy for suspected rejection 
will be performed based on clinical/biochemical information and judgment of the Investigator(s).  
G.  Diagnosis and Treatment of HCV: 
For suspected HCV infection, an allograft biopsy will be performed prior to initiation of any anti-
HCV viral therapy.  The biopsy will be read locally, at each Study Site, and the histological 
lesion(s) will be graded.  The biopsy results, as reported by the Study Site local pathologist, will 
be recorded on the Liver Allograft Biopsy CRF.  Patients experiencing a biopsy proven recurrence 
of HCV infection are to be managed following the local standard practice in a consistent manner 
within the center for all subjects.  Details of treatment of HCV will be recorded on the appropriate 
CRF.  
H.  Study Drug (Thymoglobulin®) Discontinuation 
In the absence of medical contraindication or significant protocol violation, every effort will be 
made to continue Thymoglobulin® dosing.  Reasons for Thymoglobulin® (Study Drug) 
discontinuation will be recorded on the appropriate CRF.  Reasons for Thymoglobulin® (Study 
Drug) discontinuation are: 
 Death 
 Graft Loss 
 Withdrawal of Informed Consent 
 Clinically significant AEs/SAEs 
 Unsatisfactory therapeutic effect 
 Significant protocol violation 
 Protocol deviation resulting in significant patient safety risk 
 
All subjects discontinuing Thymoglobulin® prior to completing the target total dose will continue 
to be followed in order to obtain follow-up information, and should not be considered withdrawn 


  
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from the study.  Information will be collected on serum creatinine levels, urea, eGFR, rejection 
episodes, graft loss/re-transplant, malignancies, opportunistic infections, patient survival and 
immunosuppressive therapy.   
 
Subjects who did not complete the planned Thymoglobulin® course will be followed for any 
SAE(s) occurring within 30 days following the last dose of Thymoglobulin®.  These SAE(s) will 
be reported on the (MedWatch SAE Form) and UPLOADED to the Sanofi PV Portal, and 
faxed to Cleveland Clinic PI – “Attention: Bijan Eghtesad, MD” at (216) 444-9375, within 24 
hours of Study Site discovery/notification.  Since subjects will be followed even after 
discontinuation of the Study Drug, the Study Completion CRF should only be completed at 30 
days, and Month 12 or earlier if the subject can no longer be followed. The following reasons are 
potential causes for premature discontinuation of study: graft loss, death, lost to follow-up and 
withdrawal of consent.   
I.  Emergency Un-Blinding of Treatment Assignment 
This is an open-label study. 
J.  Study Completion and Post-Study Treatment 
A Study Completion CRF should be completed at Month 12.  The Investigator also must provide 
follow-up medical care for all patients who are prematurely withdrawn from the study, or must 
refer them for appropriate ongoing care. In addition, investigators will be asked to provide, for 
each randomized patient, a one-year follow-up data to describe patient survival, graft survival, 
acute rejection, current immunosuppressive regimen, recurrence of hepatitis C and renal function.  
 
 
EFFICACY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENTS: 
A.  Renal function 
Renal function will be assessed by estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), using the MDRD 
4-variable equation.  Serum creatinine will also be used as a parameter for determination of renal 
function at each Study Visit.  Subjects will be classified for each occurrence of AKI according to 
the criteria in Table 2.  Serum creatinine and weight must be recorded on the Study Visit CRF.  
All subjects will have their eGFR assessed at baseline, Month 1, 3, 6, 9 and Month 12 post-
transplant. 
B.  Acute Cellular Rejection 
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) will be assessed using the Banff Criteria for rejection.  All acute 
rejection episodes will require biopsy confirmation.  Acute rejection will be defined as any 
biopsy-proven Grade 1 (mild) or higher rejection using the Banff Criteria.  Biopsy results, 
(as graded by the local pathologist at each respective Study Site), will be recorded on the Liver 
Allograft Biopsy CRF using a standard liver biopsy grading procedure, for both Acute and 
Chronic Rejection.  In addition, all episodes of ACR will be considered an Adverse Event, 
(AE), and an AE (MedWatch) Form must be completed.    
Therapy for biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) will be administered according to Study Site 
Institutional Standards.   


  
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C.  Graft loss 
The allograft will be presumed to be lost if a patient has a liver re-transplant, or in the event of 
patient death.  In the event of Graft Loss, an SAE (MedWatch) Form must be completed and 
UPLOADED to the Sanofi PV Portal, and faxed to Cleveland Clinic PI – “Attention: Bijan 
Eghtesad, MD” at (216) 444-9375, within 24 hours of Study Site discovery/notification.  The 
reason for graft loss will be recorded on the Graft Loss CRF and on the Study Completion CRF.   
D.  Death 
In the event of patient death, an SAE (MedWatch) Form must be completed and 
UPLOADED to the Sanofi PV Portal, and faxed to Cleveland Clinic PI – “Attention: Bijan 
Eghtesad, MD” at (216) 444-9375, within 24 hours of Study Site discovery/notification.  The 
events leading to the death must be entered on the AE/SAE CRF and on the Study Completion 
CRF.   
E.  Safety 
Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events (AEs/SAEs) 
 
THYMOGLOBULIN® – Rabbit Thymocyte Globulin (r-ATG):   
The most common systemic Adverse Events occurring during and after Thymoglobulin® 
Infusion are:        
 Fever (63%) 
 Chills (57%) 
 Pain (46%) 
 Headache (40%) 
 Abdominal pain (38%) 
 Diarrhea (37%) 
 Hypertension (37%) 
 Nausea (37%) 
 Peripheral Edema (34%) 
 Dyspnea (28%) 
 Asthenia (27%) 
 Hyperkalemia (27%) 
 Tachycardia (27%) 
Hypotension, vomiting and malaise have also been commonly reported.  The likely mechanism of 
action for these events is the release of cytokines during the first dose administration.  Localized 
AEs, such as pain at the infusion site and peripheral thrombophlebitis, have also been reported.  
Rare delayed allergic reactions such as serum sickness, (fever, pruritus, and rash associated with 
joint and muscle pain), may occur 7 to 15 days post-treatment initiation. Immediate serious allergic 
reactions and/or anaphylaxis are very rare. 
 
 
The following Adverse Events, associated with the presence of antibodies inducing cross-
reactions, have been reported during and after treatment with Thymoglobulin®:  
 Leucopenia (57%) 
 Thrombocytopenia (37%) 


  
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These reactions may emerge during the first 2 days of treatment or after treatment. 
 
Adverse Events associated with over-immunosuppression, including infectious complications 
(bacterial, fungal, viral, and/or protozoal), and malignancies, (particularly lymphoproliferative 
syndrome), have also been reported.   
 
TACROLIMUS: 
The following Adverse Reactions have been associated with Tacrolimus: 
 Lymphomas and Other Malignancies, particularly of the skin.  Post transplant 
lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) has been reported. 
 Serious Infections:  Bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including 
opportunistic infections.  These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes.  
 Polyoma Virus Infections:  Including polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), 
mostly due to BK virus infection, and JC virus-associated progressive multifocal 
leukoencephalopathy (PML).  
 Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections 
 New Onset Diabetes 
 Nephrotoxicity  
 Neurotoxicity (including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), 
delirium, and coma.  Seizures and less severe neurotoxicities, including paresthesias, and 
other changes in motor function, mental status, and sensory function, tremor and 
headache have been reported. 
 Hyperkalemia  
 Hypertension 
 Anaphylactic reactions have occurred with injectables containing castor oil derivatives.  
 Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)  
 
The most common adverse reactions, (≥ 40%), in Liver Transplant patients were: tremor, 
headache, diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, abnormal renal function, abdominal pain, insomnia, 
paresthesia, anemia, pain, fever, asthenia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperglycemia. 
 
 
ADVERSE EVENT AND SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENT (AE/SAE) REPORTING: 
 
A.  Adverse Events (AEs): 
An Adverse Event is any untoward or unfavorable medical occurrence, including any abnormal 
sign (for example, abnormal physical exam or laboratory finding), symptom(s) or disease, (even 
if the event is not considered to be related to the study intervention).  Adverse Events encompass 
both physical and psychological harms.  For this study, the study intervention consists of the 
administration of low dose Thymoglobulin® Infusion/Induction, (on Day 0, Day 2 and Day 4 
post LT), along with a delayed initiation of CNI, (tacrolimus), on Day 10 post LT.   
 
Medical conditions/diseases present before study participation will be considered Adverse 
Events (AEs), only if they worsen after randomization, or any procedures or treatments specified 
in the protocol.  Abnormal laboratory values or test results will constitute an AE only if they 
induce clinical signs or symptoms, are considered clinically significant, or require therapy.   


  
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Information regarding all Adverse Events, [whether volunteered by the subject, discovered by 
Investigator inquiry, or detected through physical examination, laboratory test or other means], 
will be collected and recorded on the AE CRF, and followed as is appropriate.  Adverse Events 
will be described as follows: 
 
 Duration (with start and end dates) 
 Severity Grade (mild, moderate, severe) 
 Relationship to the study drug/intervention (suspected / not suspected) 
[Related/Possibly Related or Not Related] 
 Action(s) taken  
 Outcome 
 
B.  Serious Adverse Events (SAEs): 
A Serious Adverse Event (SAE) is any adverse experience that results in any of the following: 
 Death 
 A life-threatening experience 
 An inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of an existing hospitalization 
 A persistent or significant disability/incapacity 
 A congenital anomaly/birth defect 
 Important medical event that may not result in death, be life-threatening, or require 
hospitalization may be considered a serious adverse drug experience when based upon 
appropriate medical judgment, may jeopardize the patient and may require medical or 
surgical intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed above. 
 
Life-threatening experience:  Any AE that places the patient, in the view of the Investigator, at 
immediate risk of death from the AE as it occurred.  Does not include an AE that had it occurred 
in a more severe form, might have caused death. 
Persistent or significant disability/incapacity:  A substantial disruption of a person’s ability to 
conduct normal life functions. 
Important medical events:  Medical and scientific judgment should be exercised in deciding 
whether expedited reporting is appropriate in other situations such as important medical events 
which may not be immediately life-threatening or result in death or hospitalization, but might 
jeopardize the patient or may require intervention to prevent any of the other outcomes listed in 
the definition of a Serious Adverse Event.  These should also be considered Serious Adverse 
Events. 
In addition, all biopsy confirmed reports of acute cellular rejection (ACR) will be submitted to 
Sanofi PV as an SAE whether or not the event has met the SAE criteria.  Since acute cellular 
rejection (ACR) is a secondary endpoint of the study, all BPAR episodes are to be reported 
through the Sanofi PV procedures, for consistency and accuracy in event reporting and data 
analysis.  The event is to be noted with an SAE criterion of “Other Important Medical Event”. 
Any SAE occurring after patient randomization, until 30 days after the patient has stopped 
study participation, must be reported.  In addition, for patients who are withdrawn from 


  
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study participation “early”, SAEs are to be reported for up to 12 months after the date of 
patient randomization, if a relationship to the study is “suspected”. 
Information about all SAEs will be collected and recorded on the SAE (MedWatch) Form.  To 
ensure patient safety, the SAE (MedWatch) Form must be completed and UPLOADED to 
the Sanofi PV Portal, and faxed to Cleveland Clinic PI – “Attention: Bijan Eghtesad, MD” 
at (216) 444-9375, within 24 hours of Study Site discovery/notification.   
 
C.  Pregnancies 
Any female subject who becomes pregnant after the initiation of study treatment will be 
discontinued from further study treatment and participation.  The patient will continue to be 
treated per standard treatment as per the Study Site standard practice.  Any pregnancy occurring 
while the patient is participating in the study, (and for up to 30 days after study participation),  is 
to be reported to Sanofi PV within 24 hours of learning of the occurrence.  For all pregnancies, 
a MedWatch SAE Form will be completed and UPLOADED to the Sanofi PV Portal, and 
faxed to Cleveland Clinic PI – “Attention: Bijan Eghtesad, MD” at (216) 444-9375, within 
24 hours of discovery/notification.   
 
Each Study Site will report Adverse Events / Serious Adverse Events to the respective 
Study Site IRB in accordance with each Study Site’s, IRB Reporting Policy.   
 
 
STUDY ASSESSMENTS: 
A.  Visit Schedule and Assessments 
Study subjects will be seen and evaluated according to the Study Visit/Assessment Schedule, 
[Appendix A].  A Visit Window of [± 3 days] should be maintained for [Visits 11 and 12 (Months 
1 and 3)].  A Visit Window of [± 7 days] should be maintained for [Visits 13-15 (Months 6, 9, 
and 12)].  Whenever possible, effort should be made to ensure that all Study Visits are timed to 
coincide with regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visits.  Additional clinic visits may be 
made according to the subject’s status and the routine practice at the Investigative Study Site.   
 
B.  Physical Examination: 
A limited physical examination/assessment will be performed at all study visits.  Information about 
the physical examination must be present in the source documentation at the study site. Significant 
findings that are present prior to the start of study drug are to be recorded as part of the patient’s 
Relevant Medical History/Current Medical Conditions, and recorded on the appropriate CRF.  
Significant findings made after randomization, which meet the definition of an Adverse Event, are 
to be recorded as an AE or SAE, and recorded on the appropriate CRF.   
 
 
 
C.  Vital Signs: 
Vital signs include measurements of Height (only at baseline); Body Weight; Pulse (while sitting 
or lying); and Systolic/Diastolic Blood Pressure(s).  The results will be recorded on the 
appropriate CRF.   
 


  
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D.  Laboratory Evaluations: 
 
The following laboratory studies are to be performed at the time points as stated below and 
on the Study Visit Calendar.  In addition, laboratory studies should be performed consistent 
with Standard of Care for the Liver Transplant Program at each respective Study Site.  Blood 
samples will be collected in a fasting state, (if possible).  All patients with laboratory tests 
containing clinically significant abnormal values are to be followed until the values return to 
normal ranges or until a valid reason, (other than drug related AE), is identified.   
Patients who are withdrawn “early” from the study will continue to have labs monitored as 
part of their routine post liver transplant follow-up per each study site post liver transplant 
protocol. 
 
Hematology: 
To include:  Hemoglobin, WBC, differential count and platelet count.[Day (-1) or 0 [Pre-OLT]; 
Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12.   
  
Blood Chemistry: 
Albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphate, chloride, urea, creatinine, glucose, 
AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin. [Day (-1) or 0 [Pre-OLT]; Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, 
and 12.  eGFR will be measured on all subjects Day 10, Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12.  
 
Lipid Panel – [Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, calculated VLDL 
Cholesterol, calculated LDL Cholesterol, calculated Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio, calculated 
LDL to HDL ratio, calculated Non HDL Cholesterol].  Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. 
 
Viral Serology: 
Viral Serology Testing is to be performed at Baseline [Day (-1) or Day 0], (if NOT previously 
performed):  HIV 1 and 2 antibody screen; Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Hepatitis B Core 
Antibody Total, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative; Hepatitis C Antibody.  Prior results 
for Viral Serology Testing may be used.  Date(s) of results are to be documented on the CRF. 
 
Viral Load / Viral Infections (HCV, EBV, CMV, HBV): 
Hepatitis C – [Hep C RNA by PCR, Quantitative]; EBV – [EBV by PCR Quantitative]; CMV – 
[CMV DNA detection]; Hepatitis B Virus – [Hep B DNA, Ultra Quantitative].  [HCV levels 
(for HCV negative patients), EBV, CMV, and HBV levels to be performed per Standard of 
Care for the Liver Transplant Program at each respective Study Site].  Patients who are 
HCV positive will require HCV RNA (quantitative levels) drawn at Week 1,  Month(s) 1, 3, 
6, 9, and 12 in order to follow the patient’s HCV response to Thymoglobulin®.   
 
 
 
CNI – Trough Levels: 
Tacrolimus – C-0h blood trough level(s).  Therapeutic drug monitoring will include Tacrolimus 
C-0h blood trough levels, which will be performed per Study Site Institutional Standards.  
Trough levels for Tacrolimus are to be performed approximately 12 hours after the previous dose 
of drug.  [Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, and per Investigative Site Liver Transplant Protocol] 


  
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Pregnancy Tests: 
A serum or Urine pregnancy test [β-HCG] will be performed locally, at each Study Site, on 
all female patients who are considered physically capable of becoming pregnant – Women of 
Child-Bearing Potential (WOCBP), on Day 0 or (-1), (prior to rATG infusion).  In addition, a 
Urine Pregnancy Test will be performed at Day 10, Month 3, and Month 12 post LT Visits. 
Women are considered post-menopausal and NOT of child bearing potential if they have had 12 
months of natural (spontaneous) amenorrhea with an appropriate clinical profile (e.g. age 
appropriate, history of vasomotor symptoms), or six months of spontaneous amenorrhea with 
[serum FSH levels > 40 mIU/mL and estradiol < 20 pg/mL] OR have had surgical bilateral 
oophorectomy (with or without hysterectomy) at least 6 weeks prior.  In the case of 
oophorectomy alone, follow up hormone level assessment must be completed to establish 
reproductive status and child bearing potential. 
 
All women of child bearing potential (WOCBP), defined as women physiologically capable of 
becoming pregnant must agree to the use of TWO birth control methods, [a double barrier 
method], OR a singular birth control method may be used in the following instances, [Intra 
Uterine Devices (IUDs, Tubal Sterilization, the patient’s partner had a Vasectomy] 
throughout study participation, and for 30 days after study participation and/or last dose 
of Study Drug.   
 
Adequate barrier methods of contraception include: diaphragm with spermicide, cervical 
cap with spermicide, male condom, female condom, contraceptive sponge.   
 
E.  Tolerability/Acceptability: 
Tolerability will be evaluated as part of AE and SAE analyses. 
 
F.  Pharmacokinetics: 
No pharmacokinetics evaluations will be performed in the study.   
 
G.  Pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics: 
No pharmacogenetic or pharmacogenomic samples will be collected in this study.   
 
 
DATA COLLECTION, QUALITY ASSURANCE, AND MANAGEMENT 
A.  Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB): 
A DSMB will assess the incidence of AKI, death, graft loss, acute cellular rejection (ACR), and 
SAEs in this study.  In addition, other predefined safety variables, (to be defined in the DSMB 
charter), will be monitored, in order to minimize potential risks to study participants.  The DSMB 
will monitor emerging efficacy and overall safety data to ensure that the benefits and risks of study 
participation remain acceptable.  The DSMB will have access to fully un-blinded data for primary 
and secondary efficacy variables, all SAEs, and other selected AEs of special interest.  The DSMB 
will have the authority to recommend, (to Sanofi and/or the Cleveland Clinic [the Lead Study 
Site], the alteration and/or termination of the trial or a treatment group, or cessation of further 
enrollment into one of the treatment groups.  
 


  
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Procedures for the operations, meeting schedule, and pre-specified rules for trial modification will 
be determined in consultation with the DSMB members and detailed in a separate charter.  
 
The DSMB will be an independent board comprised of three physicians with experience in liver 
transplantation and/or nephrology, and one independent statistician.  A physician is not allowed to 
participate in this clinical trial while serving on the Board.  Selected efficacy and safety variables 
collected in the study, and detailed in a separate charter will be reviewed on a monthly basis by 
the DSMB.  The collection and summary of these data points will be prepared in a semi-blinded 
fashion (using dummy treatment codes) by the biostatistician.  The final run of the analysis 
programs will be run by the biostatistician using the real treatment codes.  The results of the 
analyses will be delivered by the independent statistician to the DSMB.  The members of the study 
team will be blinded from the results.  The members of the Board will be primarily responsible for 
the clinical interpretation of the results.  
 
The board members will also be responsible for advising the investigative team as to whether or 
not any changes need to be made to the conduct of the study.  The stopping rules are specified in 
a separate DSMB charter.  Decisions, based on the recommendations of the Board, will take into 
account the potential risks and benefits associated with continuing enrolment of patients into the 
study.  Such information and recommendations will be used in the best interest of the patients 
already enrolled in the trial.  The final decision, with respect to modification of any protocol, will 
be made by the investigative team and the Sanofi Scientific Review Committee.  In the event of 
study termination, all health authorities and investigators will be notified of the termination, within 
two (2) business days. 
B.  Data Entry and Review  
During the study, a representative from the primary Study Site will visit each site regularly to 
monitor the progress of enrollment or through monthly conference calls.  The Investigator at each 
Study Site must maintain a Study Binder/File for each patient enrolled in the study.  The “original” 
signed Informed Consent Form (ICF) will be kept in each subject’s Study Binder/File.  In addition, 
source documents, consisting of hospital and other medical records, (containing demographic and 
medical information, laboratory data, biopsy reports, visit reports, and other procedure and test 
results and assessments), will be kept in each subject’s Study Binder/File.  All information 
collected on the Case Report Forms (CRFs) must be traceable to the source documents.  Data not 
requiring a written or electronic record will be defined before study start and will be recorded 
directly on the CRFs, which will be documented as being the source data.  Data will be monitored 
centrally, as entered into the study database.  If it is deemed necessary, a monitor from the primary 
site may visit individual sites for on-site monitoring.  Each Study Site Principal Investigator must 
give the primary site monitor access to all relevant source documents, to confirm their consistency 
with the CRF entries.   
 
C.  Data Collection and Quality Control  
Designated Study Personnel, (at each Study Site), must enter the information required by the 
protocol onto the paper Case Report Forms (CRFs).  The information from the paper CRFs will 
then be entered directly into the electronic Database, REDCAP, by designated Study personnel at 
each Study Site.  Edit checks and double data entry with verification upon second entry are built 


  
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into specific data items.  Text items (e.g. comments) are entered once.  Queries are sent to the 
investigational site using an electronic data query.  Designated investigational Study Site staff will 
be required to respond to all queries and make any necessary changes to the data.  Other errors or 
omissions are entered on Data Query Forms, which are made accessible to the investigational site 
for resolution.   
 
Concomitant medications entered into the database will be coded using the WHO Drug Reference 
List which employs the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system.  Coexistent 
diseases and Adverse Events (AEs) will be coded using the Medical dictionary for regulatory 
activities (MedDRA) terminology.   
 
D.  Handling of Missing Values/Censoring/Discontinuations 
Since the study subjects will be followed for renal function, graft loss, or survival status, the 
subjects with missing measurements at 30 days will only be those who die, withdraw consent or 
are lost to follow-up.  It is expected there will be very few such patients within 30 days.  Missing 
values at day 30 will be imputed using the last observation carried forward (LOCF) approach.  
Missing baseline serum creatinine values will be replaced with the most recent available value 
from the pre-transplant period. 
 
 
STUDY ENDPOINTS / EFFICACY AND SAFETY 
 
A.  Primary Endpoints:    
Efficacy and Safety (Primary): 
Primary Efficacy and Safety variables to be evaluated at 30 Days Post Liver Transplant 
are: 
 Incidence of AKI 
 Serum creatinine and eGFR 
 
B.  Secondary Endpoints: 
Efficacy and Safety (Secondary): 
Secondary Efficacy and Safety variables to be evaluated at 30 Days Post Liver Transplant 
are: 
 The incidences of acute cellular rejection, (ACR), at 30 days post-transplant. 
 Patient survival at 6 months post-transplant. 
 Graft survival at 6 months post-transplant. 
 Incidence of AEs / SAEs 
 
 
 
 
C.  Additional Efficacy and Safety Variables for Evaluation:  


  
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 Patient survival at 12 months post-transplant 
 Graft survival at 12 months post-transplant 
 Biopsy-proven acute allograft rejection rates at 6 Months and 12 Months post-transplant. 
 AKI (Stage 3 rates) at 3 Months post-transplant 
 Renal function measured by eGFR at 12 Months post-transplant  
 Microbiologically-proven systemic infection rates at 6 Months and 12 Months post-
transplant 
 Hepatitis C viral loads (in HCV positive recipients) at 12 Months post-transplant 
 Incidence of biopsy proven recurrence of HCV infection at 12 Months post-transplant  
 Incidence of AEs and SAEs at 12 months post-transplant 
 
For each efficacy event, simple event rate estimates (proportion of events) at 12 months will be 
obtained, and event rates between the two treatment groups will be compared using Z-statistic 
based, two-sided, 95% confidence interval for RC – RE, where RC and RE are the event rates for 
the Early CNI treated Control Group and the Late CNI Initiated/Thymoglobulin® Study Group, 
respectively.  In addition, for the composite efficacy endpoint and its components, individually, 
Kaplan-Meier survival methods will be used to estimate probabilities of efficacy events by visit.  
Greenwood’s formula will be used to estimate standard errors and to derive the two-sided, 95% 
confidence interval of RC – RE, by visit window.  HCV replication in HCV positive patients will 
be compared with summary statistics.   
 
Due to the short duration of study involvement, we expect very few patients to be lost to follow-
up, or to withdraw consent.  Therefore, for the composite efficacy endpoint, patients who are 
discontinued from the study for these two reasons, (prior to the incidence of death, graft loss, or 
biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection), will not be considered as efficacy failures.  If there are an 
adequate number of subjects from each clinical center, a formal test of center by treatment 
interaction effect will be made.   
Adverse Events (AEs) / Infections:  
Generally, infections are analyzed together with Adverse Event data.  In addition, infections will 
be analyzed separately.  Infections will be documented on both, the Infection CRF and the 
AE CRF.  The data collected on both CRFs will be coded with the MedDRA dictionary which 
gives preferred term and body system information.   
 
Adverse Event and Infection data are to be analyzed as a whole under the heading of “Adverse 
Events” for each treatment group.  The incidence of Adverse Events will be summarized by body 
system, severity, and causal relationship to Study Drug.  All information pertaining to Adverse 
Events, noted during the study, will be listed by patient.  Verbatim details, provided by the Study 
Site Investigator, are to include: 
 The preferred term  
 The body system  
 Start Dates / End Dates 
 Severity  
 Relationship to Study Drug  


  
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The “onset” of the Adverse Event” will also be shown, (relative in number of days), to the day of 
Initial Dose of Study Drug, for those subjects randomized to Group 1/Arm 1 of the Study. 
Infection data will be further coded with SNOMED for micro-organism cultured and type of 
infection, (viral, bacterial, fungal, etc.).  The incidence rate of infection (by type and micro-
organism) will also be tabulated for each treatment group. 
 
Laboratory Data:   
Abnormal laboratory values, according to notable criteria, will be identified.  A by-patient listing 
of laboratory data, for patient/lab abnormalities, will be generated.  Laboratory values, outside the 
clinically notable and expanded limits, will be flagged.  Appropriate incidence rates of clinically 
notable abnormalities will be provided by treatment.  Further, for each laboratory parameter, a 
table summarizing the by visit laboratory values, (MDRD eGFR and serum creatinine), will be 
provided. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


  
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3. Cabezuelo JB, Ramirez P, Rios A, et al. Risk factors of acute renal failure after liver 
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15. Bock P, Hobler N, Caudrelier P, Alberici G. Treatment of acute rejection in renal graft 
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16. Steininger R, Muhlbacher F, Hamilton G, et al. Comparison of CyA, OKT3, and ATG 
immunoprophylaxis in human liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 1991;23(4):2269-71. 
17. Hourmant M, Bedrossian J, Durand D, et al. A randomized multicenter trial comparing 
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18. Ippoliti G, Negri M, Abelli P, et al. Preoperative prophylactic OKT3 vs RATG. A randomized 
clinical study in heart transplant patients. Transplant Proc 1991;23(4):2272-4. 
19. Carrier M, Pelletier GB, Cartier R, Leclerc Y, Robitaille D, Pelletier LC. Induction of 
immunosuppression with rabbit antithymocyte globulin: five-year experience in cardiac 
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20. Lefrancois N, Raffaele P, Martinenghi S, et al. Prophylactic polyclonal versus monoclonal 
antibodies in kidney and pancreas transplantation. Transplant Proc 1990;22(2):632-3. 
21. Rimola A, Gavaler JS, Schade RR, El-Lankany S, Starzl TE, Van Thiel DH. Effects of renal 
impairment on liver transplantation. Gastroenterology 1987;93:148-56. 
22. Paramesh AS, Roayaie S, Doan Y, et al. Post-liver transplant acute renal failure: factors 
predicting development of end-stage renal disease. Clinical Transplantation 2004;18(1):94-9. 
23. Gainza FJ, Valdivieso A, Quintanilla N, et al. Evaluation of acute renal failure in the liver 
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24. Sanchez EQ, Gonwa TA, Levy MF, et al. Preoperative and perioperative predictors of the need 
for renal replacement therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation. Transplantation 
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25. Bellomo R, Ronco C, Kellum J, Mehta R, Palevsky P, the Aw. Acute renal failure - definition, 
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26. Mehta RL, Kellum JA, Shah SV, et al. Acute Kidney Injury Network: report of an initiative to 
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27. Zaltzman JS, Pei Y, Maurer J, Patterson A, Cattran DC. Cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in lung 
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28. Fisher NC, Nightingale PG, Gunson BK, Lipkin GW, Neuberger JM. Chronic renal failure 
following liver transplantation: a retrospective analysis. Transplantation 1998;66(1):59-66. 
29. Gonwa TA, Mai ML, Melton LB, et al. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) after orthotopic liver 
transplantation (OLTX) using calcineurin-based immunotherapy. Risk of development and 
treatment. Transplantation 2001;72(12):1934-9. 
30. Schmitz V, Laudi S, Moeckel F, et al. Chronic renal dysfunction following liver 
transplantation. Clinical Transplantation 2008;22(3):333-40. 
31. Neau-Cransac M, Morel D, Bernard PH, et al. Renal failure after liver transplantation: outcome 
after calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal.[comment]. Clinical Transplantation 2002;16(5):368-73. 
32. Poplawski S, Gonwa T, Goldstein R, Husberg B, Klintmalm G. Long term nephrotoxicity in 
liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 1989;21(1 Pt 2):2469-71. 
33. Ojo AO, Held PJ, Port FK, et al. Chronic renal failure after transplantation of a nonrenal 
organ.[see comment]. N Engl J Med 2003;349(10):931-40. 
 
 


  
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                                                                                                                                                                46 
34. National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative Advisory B. K/DOQI 
clinical practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease: evaluation, classification, and 
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2). 
35. Griffiths MH, Crowe AV, Papadaki L, et al. Cyclosporin nephrotoxicity in heart and lung 
transplant patients. QJM 1996;89(10):751-63. 
36. Pawarode A, Fine DM, Thuluvath PJ. Independent risk factors and natural history of renal 
dysfunction in liver transplant recipients. Liver Transplantation 2003;9(7):741-7. 
37. Platz K-P, Mueller AR, Blumhardt G, et al. Nephrotoxicity following orthotopic liver 
transplantation. A comparison between cyclosporine and FK506. Transplantation 
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38. Paramesh AS, Roayaie S, Doan Y, et al. Post-liver transplant acute renal failure: factors 
predicting development of end-stage renal disease. Clin Transplant 2004;18(1):94-9. 
39. Sherman DS, Fish DN, Teitlebaum I. Assessing renal function in cirrhotic patients: problems 
and pitfalls. Am J Kidney Dis 2003;41:269-78. 
40. Crawford DH, Endre ZH, Axelsen RA, et al. Universal occurrence of glomerular abnormalities 
in patients receiving liver transplants. Am J  Kidney Dis 1992;19(4):339-44. 
41. Tchervenkov JI, Tzimas GN, Cantarovich M, Barkun JS, Metrakos P. The impact of 
Thymoglobulin on renal function and calcineurin inhibitor initiation in recipients of orthotopic 
liver transplant: a retrospective analysis of 298 consecutive patients. Transplant Proc 
2004;36(6):1747-52. 
42. Brennan DC, Flavin K, Lowell JA, et al. A randomized, double-blinded comparison of 
Thymoglobulin versus Atgam for induction immunosuppressive therapy in adult renal 
transplant 
recipients 
[published erratum appears in 
Transplantation 1999 May 
27;67(10):1386]. Transplantation 1999;67(7):1011-8. 
43. Brennan DC, Daller JA, Lake KD, Cibrik D, Del Castillo D. Rabbit antithymocyte globulin 
versus basiliximab in renal transplantation. N Engl J Med 2006;355(19):1967-77. 
44. Bourdage JS, Hamlin DM. Comparative polyclonal antithymocyte globulin and 
antilymphocyte/antilymphoblast globulin anti-CD antigen analysis by flow cytometry. 
Transplantation 1995;59(8):1194-200. 
45. Monti P, Allavena P, Di Carlo V, Piemonti L. Effects of anti-lymphocytes and anti-thymocytes 
globulin on human dendritic cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2003;3(2):189-96. 
46. Kirby JA, Lin Y, Browell DA, et al. Renal allograft rejection: examination of adhesion 
blockade by antilymphocyte antibody drugs. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1993;8(6):544-50. 
47. Hammer C, Thein E. Visualization of the effect of polyclonal antithymocyte globulins on 
adhesion of leukocytes. Transplant Proc 2002;34(6):2486-7. 
48. Regan JF, Campbell K, Van Smith L, et al. Sensitization following Thymoglobulin and Atgam 
rejection therapy as determined with a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. US 
Thymoglobulin Multi-Center Study Group. Transpl Immunol 1999;7(2):115-21. 
49. Regan JF, Lyonnais C, Campbell K, Smith LV, Buelow R. Total and active Thymoglobulin 
levels: effects of dose and sensitization on serum concentrations. Transpl Immunol 
2001;9(1):29-36. 
50. Tchervenkov J, Flemming C, Guttmann RD, des Gachons G. Use of Thymoglobulin induction 
therapy in the prevention of acute graft rejection episodes following liver transplantation. 
Transplant Proc 1997;29(7A):13S-5S. 


  
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51. Eason JD, Loss GE, Blazek J, Nair S, Mason AL. Steroid-free liver transplantation using rabbit 
antithymocyte globulin induction: results of a prospective randomized trial. Liver Transpl 
2001;7(8):693-7. 
52. Eason JD, Nair S, Cohen AJ, Blazek JL, Loss GE, Jr. Steroid-free liver transplantation using 
rabbit antithymocyte globulin and early tacrolimus monotherapy. Transplantation 
2003;75(8):1396-9. 
53. Killick SB, Marsh JC, Booth JC, Gordon-Smith EC. Liver function abnormality following 
treatment with antithymocyte globulin for aplastic anaemia. Bone Marrow Transplant 
1997;19(3):249-51. 
54. Bajjoka I, Hsaiky L, Brown K, Abouljoud M. Preservation of renal function in liver transplant 
recipients wit rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin and delayed initiation of calcineurin inhibitors. 
Liver Transpl 2008;14:66-72 
55.  Eghtesad B, Forrest-Kelly T, Fujiki M, Diago T, Hodgkinson P, Hashimoto K, Quintini C, 
Aucejo F, Kelly D, Winans C, Vogt D, Miller C, Fung J. A pilot randomized, controlled clinical 
trial of Thymoglobulin (r-ATG) induction with extended delay of calcineurin inhibitor therapy 
in liver transplantation - Interim analysis. Liver Transpl 2011; Suppl 1, Abstract # O-21 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


  
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[APPENDIX A.]:     STUDY VISIT / ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE  
Visit # 
 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7V 
8V 
9V 
Study Day 
Day (-1)  
or 0 
Pre- OLT 
Day 0 
Post 
OLT 
Day 
1 
Day 2 
Day 3 
Day 4 
Day 5 
Day 6 
Day 7 
 
Obtain Informed 
 Consent SignatureA 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical History / 
DemographicsB 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior MedicationsB 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concomitant 
Medications 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
EligibilityC 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EnrollmentD 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical ExamF 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
HeightE / WeightE 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
VS (T, P, BP)G 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Donor/Transplant 
Information 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liver BiopsyI 
 
X 
Serology  
HIV; Hep B; HCVH 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMV / EBV Viral 
LoadR 
X 
HBV Viral LoadR 
X 
HCV Viral LoadS  
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
HematologyL 
X 
X 
ChemistryL 
X 
X 
Serum / Urine β-HCGO 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CNI Blood Trough 
LevelU 
 
 
 
 
X 
Arm 2 
PT / INRJ 
X 
X 
r-ATG Induction / 
InfusionT 
 
X 
Arm 1 
 
X 
Arm 1 
 
X 
Arm 1 
 
 
 
Immunosupression 
 (Prednisone)R 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Immunosupression 
(MMF)R 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
RandomizationK 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tacrolimus Dosing 
 
 
 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arm 2 
Tacrolimus Script 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
Arm 2 
Patient Instruction re. 
Tacrolimus dosing + 
completion of  
Diary Card 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Arm 2 
Distribute Diary Card 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
Arm 2 
Assess for AEs / 
SAEsP 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 


  
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[APPENDIX A.]:     STUDY VISIT / ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE (continued) 
Visit # 
10 
 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
Study Day 
Day 10 
Post LT 
(±2 Days) 
Month 1  
(± 3 Days) 
Month 3  
(± 3 Days) 
 
Month 6 
(± 7 Days) 
Month 9  
(± 7 Days) 
Month 12 
(± 7 Days) 
Physical ExamF 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
HeightE / WeightE 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
VS (T, P, BP)G 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Concomitant 
Medications 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
HematologyL 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
ChemistryL 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
eGFRM 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Lipid PanelN 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Urine β-HCGO 
X 
 
X 
 
 
X 
CNI Blood Trough 
LevelU 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
CMV / EBV Viral LoadR 
X 
HBV Viral LoadR 
X 
HCV Viral LoadS 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Immunosupression 
 (Prednisone)R 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
Immunosupression 
(MMF)R 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Initial Tacrolimus 
Dosing 
X 
Arm 1 
 
 
 
 
 
Tacrolimus Script 
X 
Arm 1 
X 
Arms 1 and 2 (as needed) 
Initial Instruction re. 
Tacrolimus dosing + 
completion of  
Diary Card 
X 
 
 
Arm 1 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribute Diary Card 
Arms 1&2 
Arms  
1&2 
Arms  
1&2 
Arms  
1&2 
Arms  
1&2 
 
Collection and/or 
Review of Study Diary 
X 
Arm 2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
X 
Arms 1&2 
Assess for AEs / SAEsP 
X 
Liver BiopsyI 
X 
 
A = Signing of Informed Consent to be performed at time of Admission for Liver Transplantation, 
Day (-1) or Day (0), PRIOR TO OLT AND PRIOR to ANY Study procedures that are not SOC being 
performed.  Patient MUST have previously been presented with the Informed Consent and be 
familiar with the content prior to signing.  Patient to be given opportunity to ask questions and 
have his/her questions answered about the Study and Study Treatment/Procedures, etc. PRIOR to 
signing the Informed Consent. 
 
B = Demographics, Significant Medical History [including significant procedures/surgeries/ect. 
(with approximate start/stop dates or if ongoing)].  Prior relevant and significant medications 
taken for up to 30 days prior to Transplant.   
 
C = To be reviewed and confirmed prior to Study Enrollment; Eligibility confirmation to be 
reviewed and signed by 2 Study personnel. 


  
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D = Study Enrollment to take place within 3 hours of completion of OLT and arrival in ICU. 
E = Obtain Height on Admission for Transplant – Day (-1)/Day 0, only.  If unable to obtain height 
due to patient status on Day (-1)/Day 0, previous (most recent) Height within prior 3 months may 
be used.  Weight to be obtained on Day 0 or (-1), and prior to each r-ATG infusion, and at Study 
Visits on Day 10, Month 1, Month 3, Month 6, Month 9, and Month 12.  If unable to obtain Weight on 
day of r-ATG infusion (prior to r-ATG infusion), [due to patient’s clinical status], most recent 
weight may be used with approval of the Site Investigator.   
 
F = Targeted Physical Exam to be performed. 
 
G = For patients randomized to Arm 1: [VS to be obtained per Investigative Site Protocol, pre, 
during and post Thymoglobulin® Infusion], and per Infusion Reaction Protocol – see Infusion 
Reaction Protocol.  
  
H = To be obtained prior to OLT.  Previous results may be used. 
 
I = Liver Biopsy to be performed as clinically indicated, (for confirmation of suspected ACR and/or 
HCV infection recurrence), and per Investigative Site standard liver transplant protocol.  For 
suspected ACR, Liver Biopsy MUST be performed PRIOR to the initiation of anti-rejection therapy.  
 
J = PT/INR on Day (-1) or Day 0 (prior to liver transplant), and post liver transplant per 
Investigative Site liver transplant protocol. 
 
K = Randomization to take place within 6 hours of completion of OLT and arrival in ICU. 
 
L = Day (-1) or 0 [Pre OLT]; Day 10, Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 post LT, and per Investigative Site 
Liver Transplant Protocol. 
 
M = Day 10; Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, and per Investigative Site Liver Transplant Protocol.   
 
N = Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. 
 
O = Serum or Urine pregnancy test to be performed on Day (-1) or Day 0 (prior to OLT), on all 
Women of Child Bearing Potential (WOCBP).  Urine pregnancy test to be performed, (at Day 10, 
Month 3, and Month 12) post LT Visits, on all Women of Child Bearing Potential (WOCBP).   
 
P = All AE(s)/SAE(s) will be reported from randomization till 30 days after study completion.  Any 
SAE occurring after patient randomization, until 30 days after the patient has stopped study 
participation, must be reported.  In addition, for patients who are withdrawn from study participation 
“early”, SAEs are to be reported for up to 12 months after the date of patient randomization, if a 
relationship to the study is “suspected”. 
 
R = Per Investigative Site Liver Transplant Protocol.   
 
S = For patients who are HCV “Negative” – per Investigative Site Liver Transplant Protocol.  For 
patients who are HCV “Positive” – HCV RNA (quantitative levels) are to be drawn on Day (-1) or 
Day 0 (pre-OLT), at Week 1, Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 (post OLT), in order to follow the patient’s 
HCV response to Thymoglobulin. 
 
T = r-ATG Infusion will be administered to subjects randomized to Arm 1 ONLY, on Day 0 (after 
OLT) within 12 hours of arrival in ICU, on Day 2 and Day 4 Post OLT. 
 
U = CNI blood trough levels to be performed beginning day after initial dose of CNI and as per 
Investigative Site Liver Transplant Protocol, (as per clinically indicated), and at Month(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, 
and 12 Visits. 


  
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V = In case of early discharge after liver transplant these clinic visits and clinical data can be 
excluded however, immunosuppressive regimen and blood work results should be collected and 
recorded.