FK506

Medical abbreviation · Drug

FK506
Stands forTacrolimus
CategoriesMedical

FK506 stands for Tacrolimus, a drug abbreviation.

Original research code name for tacrolimus, the transplant immunosuppressant, still used in laboratory science and occasionally in clinical notes. The code dates from its discovery by the Japanese company Fujisawa.

Example: FK506 binds FKBP12, and the complex inhibits calcineurin and T-cell activation.

Usage notes

The protein that tacrolimus binds inside cells, FKBP (FK506-binding protein), is named after the code. Fujisawa later merged into Astellas Pharma, which markets Prograf. Clinicians generally write "tacrolimus" or "tac" in orders to avoid confusion.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.