['Cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death with a functioning graft among kidney transplant recipients, can be exacerbated by immunosuppressive drugs, particularly the calcineurin inhibitors. Belatacept, a selective co-stimulation blocker, may provide a better cardiovascular/metabolic risk profile than current immunosuppressants.', 'Cardiovascular and metabolic endpoints from two Phase III studies (BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT) of belatacept-based regimens in kidney transplant recipients were assessed at month 12. Each study assessed belatacept in more intensive (MI) and less intensive (LI) regimens versus cyclosporine A (CsA). These secondary endpoints included changes in blood pressure, changes in serum lipids, and the incidence of new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT).', 'A total of 1209 patients were randomized and transplanted across the two studies. Mean systolic blood pressure was 6 to 9 mm Hg lower and mean diastolic blood pressure was 3 to 4 mm Hg lower in the MI and LI groups versus CsA (P ≤ 0.002) across both studies at month 12. Non-HDL cholesterol was lower in the belatacept groups versus CsA (P<0.01 MI or LI vs. CsA in each study). Serum triglycerides were lower in the belatacept groups versus CsA (P<0.02 MI or LI vs. CsA in each study). NODAT occurred less often in the belatacept groups versus CsA in a prespecified pooled analysis (P<0.05 MI or LI vs. CsA).'] Are belatacept-based regimens associated with improved cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors compared with cyclosporine in kidney transplant recipients ( BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT studies )?