For many therapeutic areas, the use of generic prescription medicines is prevalent and generally accepted. However, for patients in the transplant community, studies show that comparatively small differences in dose or concentration can lead to serious therapeutic failures and/or adverse drug reactions. The issue of switching from brand name prescriptions to generic (or "critical dose drugs") has become extremely critical in the transplant community, particularly in patients of thoracic transplantation.

"ISHLT strongly supports further research into the use of generic medicine with thoracic transplantation," said Mandeep Mehra, Society president and professor and head of cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "It is critical for us to continue open discussion around the world about the use of generics in transplant patients."

Regulating agencies worldwide have varying processes and procedures for defining and approving generic medications. Interesting findings will reveal unique details and differences regarding the approval of generics in some countries, and will prompt discussion of clinical situations in which caution is advised.

Consensus Findings to Be Released:

An all-encompassing white paper, titled Generic Drug Immunosuppression in Thoracic Transplantation, will be released by ISHLT following the annual meeting. The paper will include thorough discussion of findings regarding generic prescriptions affecting transplantation patients.

The major findings will be previewed and discussed by leading professionals during Friday's Lunch Symposium. Authors of the paper will present information related to international regulation of generics, the link to varying ethnicities, interactions with concomitant immunosuppressive drugs, and the concern of using generics in pediatric populations.

About ISHLT:
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 2,700 members from over 45 countries dedicated to the advancement of the science and treatment of end-stage heart and lung diseases. For more information, visit www.ishlt.org.

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