Tocilizumab in Cardiac Transplantation

This is a prospective, multi-center phase 2 clinical trial in which 200 primary heart transplant recipients will be randomized (1:1) to receive either tocilizumab (Actemra®) or placebo (normal saline) plus standard triple maintenance immunosuppression. Investigators will recruit primary heart transplant recipients from 14 participating centers. Subjects will be screened, consented, and enrolled while on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) wait list. When the recipient has received the transplant and is deemed hemodynamically stable, randomization will occur. Study duration: The study duration will be approximately 4 years. There will be a 36-month accrual period, and participants will be followed for a minimum 12-month, and a maximum 24 months after heart transplantation. \*\*\* IMPORTANT NOTICE: \*\*\* The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases does not recommend the discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy for recipients of cell, organ, or tissue transplants outside of physician-directed, controlled clinical studies. Discontinuation of prescribed immunosuppressive therapy can result in serious health consequences and should only be performed in certain rare circumstances, upon the recommendation and with the guidance of your health care provider.