Zaki Siqqiqui's Belatacept Research
Zaki Siddiqui is a 12th grader and one of the many talented young scientific researchers here at OHS. Learn more about his research in Fatima Rahim's interview with Zaki.
Pixel Journal: Can you describe some details about your research?
Zaki Siddiqui: I was researching the possible use of a new drug (called belatacept) in replacement for cyclosporine, which is a calcineurin inhibitor. In essence, calcineurin inhibitors work with other drugs to help limit the effectiveness of the immune system, which helps prevent the human body from rejecting transplanted organs. Although calcineurin inhibitors are relatively useful in limiting rejection, it has a long list of side effects (including diabetes) and also may lead to kidney poisoning. My research involved a 7-year study which tested the effects and effectiveness of different doses of belatacept compared to cyclosporine.
PJ: What brought you to this specific topic of research?
ZS: For nearly 3 years of my life, I spent a significant part of each day with my uncle. He was one of the nicest people I've ever met; we would eat ice cream together and and spend hours listening to my insignificant childhood stories. Around 10 years ago, his kidney began to stop functioning due to a birth defect, so he got a kidney transplant. Over time, he developed many side effects, including diabetes, due to his treatment regimen. I felt that it was unfair for such an awesome person to be struggling so much, so I decided to do whatever I could to find a better treatment.
PJ: What do you hope to see in the future regarding this research?
ZS: Well, belatacept isn't perfect: compared to cyclosporine, belatacept has a much higher rate of rejection. However, belatacept has fewer side effects and less kidney poisoning. Researchers are currently studying possible combinations of both belatacept and cyclosporine in post-transplant treatment regimens. Also, they are trying to find certain groups of patients that belatacept will work better in.