Objective To explore the validity and security of Simulect (basiliximab) induction immunosuppressive therapy in terms of prevention of acute allograft rejection in sensitive recipients.Methods Thirty-six adult recipients of cadaveric kidney transplant with panal reactive antibody 30 %～ 50 % were assigned randomly in a 1∶1 ratio to receive either two doses Simulect or matching placebo. Both patient groups also received baseline triple immunosuppression with the cyclosporine microemulsion, MMF and steroids. A total 40 mg Simulect was given in two doses of 20 mg eachon day 0 about 2 h before transplantation and the day 4 after transplantation respectively.Results No hyperacute rejection and delayed graft function occurred in the two groups. No apparent adverse and toxic events were recorded in the Simulect group. The incidence of acute rejection 3 months after transplantation was 11.1 % in Simulect group compared with 50 % in the placebo group ( 77.8 % reduction, P