Kamada Ltd., a plasma-derived protein therapeutics company focused on orphan indications, announces a significantly improved infusion rate for Glassia (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor -Human); this improvement was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Glassia, which is marketed in the US through a strategic partnership by Baxter International Inc., is the first and only ready-to-use liquid alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) approved by the FDA and is indicated as a chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD, or Inherited Emphysema).
This major improvement was achieved following a post-marketing study conducted by Baxter, and it supports the strategic partnership between Kamada and Baxter to improve quality of life for patients treated by Glassia in the US. Kamada expects this improvement to significantly increase the number of patients treated by Glassia in the US. In addition, this improvement can be further leveraged by Kamada in other geographies and for additional indications currently in clinical development, once approved.
The improved infusion rate is highly important because it reduces the overall time from preparation to finish, which is key for AATD patients who are using this therapy chronically and for life. For the average patient weighing ~70kg, the new infusion rate reduces the weekly infusion time from 70 minutes to 15 minutes. This along with its ready-to-use feature makes Glassia a highly user friendly and convenient product that supports patient quality of life.
“We are very pleased to receive this post-marketing approval for the improved infusion rate for Glassia as it underscores Kamada’s commitment to leverage our technological expertise in plasma-derived protein therapeutics to be the most innovative company in the AAT industry,” stated David Tsur, Co-founder and CEO of Kamada. “As the only commercially available liquid, ready-to-use Alpha1- augmentation product, the enhanced infusion rate further expands Glassia’s competitive edge, and we expect this improvement to significantly increase the number of patients treated by Glassia in the US.”
“This improved infusion rate will be used in additional territories that recognize the FDA approval. Importantly, the enhanced infusion rate can be used for our future indications, currently in clinical trials, such as in type 1 diabetes and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD),” added Tsur.
Kamada is expecting to report top-line data from its recently completed phase 2/3 clinical study in Europe for its innovative inhaled AAT to treat AATD, and has a robust late-stage clinical programme utilizing its innovative technology. This program includes conducting a phase 2 trial for inhaled AAT to treat AATD in the US, conducting a phase 2/3 trial of intravenous AAT to treat type 1 diabetes with interim data expected in 2016, and plans to initiate a US. Phase 2 clinical trial of inhaled AAT to treat cystic fibrosis in the second half of 2014 and support a US. Phase 2 trial to treat GvHD with Glassia, with plans to initiate additional trials for this indication in the near term. The company recently completed enrollment in a US. Phase 2/3 clinical study of KamRAB as a post-exposure prophylaxis to treat rabies with product launch expected in 2015.
Glassia (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor -Human) is the first available ready-to-use liquid alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) and is indicated as a chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. Glassia is administered once a week and is augmenting the levels of AAT in the blood. AAT is a protein derived from human plasma with known and newly discovered therapeutic roles given its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, tissue protective and antimicrobial properties. Glassia is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of AAT deficiency. It is marketed through a strategic partnership with Baxter International Inc. in the United States.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin, also called AAT, is a protein made in the liver. Normally the protein travels through the bloodstream and helps protect the body's organs from the harmful effects of other proteins. The lungs are one of the main organs that the AAT protein protects. AAT deficiency (AATD) occurs if the AAT proteins made in the liver are not the right shape, and they get stuck inside liver cells and cannot get into the bloodstream. As a result, not enough AAT proteins travel to the lungs to protect them, which increases the risk of lung disease. Also, liver disease can develop because too many AAT proteins are stuck in the liver. Severe AATD occurs when blood levels of the AAT protein fall below the lowest amount needed to protect the lungs.
AATD is an inherited condition that occurs in all ethnic groups, yet most often in Caucasians of European descent. It is not known how many people have AAT deficiency and many people who have the condition may not know they have it. According to the National Institutes of Health, estimates of disease incidence range from about 1 in every 1,600 people to about 1 in every 5,000 people.