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Alpha-1 augmentation therapy reduces loss of lung tissue, says report in journal Respiratory Research
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC—Combined data from two studies showed that Alpha-1 augmentation therapy reduced loss of lung tissue in emphysema due to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), according to a report published in the journal Respiratory Research.
Results of the studies, published as an integrated analysis of the raw data from two similar pilot studies, were announced today by Talecris Biotherapeutics.
Alpha-1 is a genetic condition which low levels of the alpha-1 protein circulating in the lungs increase an individual’s risk of developing emphysema. Treatment with the protein therapy augments or increases the levels of this protein in the lungs.
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigated the effect of augmentation therapy on emphysema progression, using change in lung density as a measure.
Although the two studies used different intravenous dosing regimens, they were comparable in treatment duration, patient characteristics and the use of computed tomography (CT) to study lung density. An analysis of the data from both studies was conducted by Professor Robert A Stockley of the UK and Professor Asger Dirksen of Denmark.
Talecris Biotherapeutics, manufacturer of the augmentation therapy Prolastin®-C, funded the integrated analysis and the EXACTLE trial included in the analysis.
