Belatacept

Belatacept is a fusion protein composed of the Fc fragment of a human IgG1 immunoglobulin linked to the extracellular domain of CTLA-4, which is a molecule crucial for T-cell costimulation, selectively blocking the process of T-cell activation. It was developed by Bristol-Myers-Squibb. It differs from abatacept (Orencia) by only 2 amino acids.

It is intended to provide extended graft survival while limiting the toxicity generated by standard immune suppressing regimens, such as calcineurin inhibitors.