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Augmentation therapy with intravenous alpha-1 antitrypsin is the only specific treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-associated emphysema. This treatment has been available and remained basically unchanged for more than 35 years, but many questions persist regarding its indications, regimen of administration and efficacy. Because AATD is a rare disease, it has not been possible to conduct randomised, placebo-controlled trials that are adequately powered for the usual outcomes analysed in non-AATD-related COPD, such as lung function decline, exacerbations, symptoms or quality of life. New outcomes such as lung densitometry measured by computed tomography are more sensitive for identifying emphysema progression but are not widely accepted by regulatory agencies. In addition, clinical manifestations, severity and the natural history of lung disease associated with AATD are very heterogeneous, which means that individual prediction of prognosis is challenging. Therefore, the indication for augmentation is sometimes a dilemma between initiating treatment in individuals who may not develop significant lung disease or in whom disease will not progress and delaying it in patients who will otherwise rapidly and irreversibly progress.Other areas of debate are the possible indication for augmentation in patients with severe AATD and respiratory diseases other than emphysema, such as bronchiectasis or asthma, and the use of therapy after lung transplant in AATD patients. All these uncertainties imply that the indication for treatment must be personalised in expert reference centres after in-depth discussion of the pros and cons of augmentation with the patient., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: M. Miravitlles has received speaker fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, Cipla, GlaxoSmithKline, Menarini, Kamada, Takeda, Zambon, CSL Behring, Specialty Therapeutics, Janssen, Grifols and Novartis; consulting fees from AstraZeneca, Atriva Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, Inhibrx, Ferrer, Menarini, Mereo Biopharma, Spin Therapeutics, Specialty Therapeutics, ONO Pharma, Palobiofarma SL, Takeda, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Zambon and Grifols; and research grants from Grifols. A. Anzueto has received consultant fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Grifols, GlaxoSmithKline, Verona Pharma, TEVA and Mylan/Theravance. M. Barrecheguren has received speaker fees from Grifols, Menarini, CSL Behring, GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim; and consulting fees from GSK, Novartis, CSL Behring and Boehringer Ingelheim., (Copyright ©The authors 2023.)

Background: Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of alpha 1 -proteinase inhibitor, modified process (Alpha-1 MP), was evaluated in a clinical trial of Japanese patients with alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety of weekly intravenous infusions of 60 mg/kg Alpha-1 MP in Japanese patients with AATD., Methods: This was a multi-center, open-label extension (OLE) study that enrolled adult patients with AATD, who had completed the preceding safety and PK clinical trial. Patients were administered with Alpha-1 MP (60 mg/kg) weekly, for 52 weeks, and this could be renewed annually. Alpha1-MP trough levels (C min ) were evaluated, and safety endpoints include: treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), TEAEs potentially related to Alpha-1 MP, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, laboratory parameters, vital signs, and pulmonary function tests (forced expiration volume in 1 s [FEV 1 ] and forced vital capacity [FVC])., Results: Four patients underwent Alpha-1 MP intravenous infusions at a mean (SD) of 210.8 (9.54) for 213 weeks (four years), with a C min of 55.73 (4.99) mg/dL. A total of fifty-four TEAEs were reported in four patients, in which most of them were mild (n = 52, 96.3%). Two patients had five SAEs, and all were unrelated to treatment. Three mild TEAEs were potentially related to treatment with Alpha-1 MP. No clinically significant findings in laboratory parameters, COPD exacerbations, or vital signs were observed. There were no identifiable differences in FEV 1 and FVC throughout the study period., Conclusions: Long-term weekly intravenous infusions of 60 mg/kg Alpha-1 MP are generally safe and well-tolerated in Japanese patients with AATD., Clinicaltrials: GOV: NCT02870348; JAPIC CTI: JapicCTI-163194., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest Maria Esperança Aragonés is a full-time employee of Grifols. Susan Sorrells, Junliang Chen, and Hitoshi Minamino are former full-time employees of Grifols. Masaru Suzuki and Satoshi Konno have received research support from Novartis Pharmaceutical Co. Kuniaki Seyama, Sadatomo Tasaka, Tadashi Sato, and Toshihiro Nukiwa declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 [The Author/The Authors]. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Augmentation therapy (AT) is the only specific treatment licensed for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) associated lung disease. Since patients with severe AATD may have a very different prognosis and AT requires intravenous infusions for life, the decision to initiate AT may be challenging., Methods: This survey was conducted on 63 experts in AATD from 13 European countries about their opinions and attitudes regarding AT. Participants were asked to rank the importance of 11 identified factors related with the prescription of AT. In addition, each participant was asked to respond to the indication of AT for 30 out of 500 hypothetical cases developed with the combinations of the 11 factors. Each case was evaluated by 3 experts to check the concordance., Results: The variables that scored higher on preferences for initiating AT were AAT genotype (score 8.6 from a Likert scale 0-10 (SD: 1.7)), AATD serum level (8.2 (SD:2.4)) and FEV1 (%) decline (7.9 (SD:2.4)). Among the 500 different cases, there was an agreement in indication of AT among the 3 experts in 291 (58.2%). Regarding the variables associated with AT, it was indicated to 81.9% of Pi*ZZ, 52.4% of Pi*SZ and 9.8% of Pi*MZ (p < 0.0001). For Pi*ZZ patients, multivariate analysis identified younger age, reduced FEV1 (%), higher FEV1 decline and worse emphysema as significantly associated with prescription (AUC = 0.8114); for Pi*SZ variables were younger age, worse FEV1 (%) and worse emphysema (AUC = 0.7414); and for Pi*MZ younger age, worse DLCO (%), higher DLCO decline and dyspnea (AUC = 0.8387)., Conclusion: There is a high variability in the criteria for prescription of AT among European experts. Most cases were recommended AT according to guidelines, but a significant number of patients with genotype Pi*SZ and almost 10% Pi*MZ were recommended to initiate AT despite the lack of evidence of efficacy in these genotypes., Competing Interests: Timm Greulich reports grants from CSL-Behring, grants from Grifols, grants from Kamada, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from Astra Zeneca, personal fees from Berlin-Chemie, personal fees from Boehringer-Ingelheim, personal fees from Chiesi, personal fees from CSL-Behring, grants and personal fees from Grifols, personal fees from GSK, personal fees from Novartis, grants from German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany (Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung), outside the submitted work. Christian Clarenbach received advisory fees from Roche, Novartis, Boehringer, GSK, Astra Zeneca, Sanofi, Vifor, OM Pharma, Grifols and Mundipharma. María L Torres-Duran has received speaker and consulting fees from CSL Behring and Grifols. Alice M Turner has received either grants or speaker fees from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, CSL Behring, Takeda, Vertex and Grifols Biotherapeutics. Marc Miravitlles has received speaker fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, Cipla, Menarini, Rovi, Bial, Sandoz, Zambon, CSL Behring, Grifols and Novartis, consulting fees from AstraZeneca, Atriva Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Bial, Gebro Pharma, CSL Behring, Laboratorios Esteve, Ferrer, Mereo Biopharma, Verona Pharma, Spin Therapeutics, ONO Pharma, pH Pharma, Palobiofarma SL, Takeda, Novartis, Sanofi and Grifols and research grants from Grifols. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2022 Greulich et al.)

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare and underdiagnosed genetic predisposition for COPD and emphysema and other conditions, including liver disease. Although there have been improvements in terms of awareness of AATD and understanding of its treatment in recent years, current challenges center on optimizing detection and management of patients with AATD, and improving access to intravenous (IV) AAT therapy - the only available pharmacological intervention that can slow disease progression. However, as an orphan disease with geographically dispersed patients, international cooperation is essential to address these issues. To achieve this, new European initiatives in the form of the European Reference Network for Rare Lung Diseases (ERN-LUNG) and the European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration (EARCO) have been established. These organizations are striving to address the current challenges in AATD, and provide a new platform for future research efforts in AATD. The first objectives of ERN-LUNG are to establish a quality control program for European AATD laboratories and create a disease management program for AATD, following the success of such programs in the United States. The main purpose of EARCO is to create a pan-European registry, with the aim of understanding the natural history of the disease and supporting the development of new treatment modalities in AATD and access to AAT therapy. Going further, other patient-centric initiatives involve improving the convenience of intravenous AAT therapy infusions through extended-interval dosing and self-administration. The present review will discuss the implementation of these initiatives and their potential contribution to the optimization of patient care in AATD., Competing Interests: Professor Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko reports grants, personal fees, non-financial support from Grifols, Boehringer Ingelheim, and CSL Behring, personal fees, non-financial support from Novartis, and personal fees from GSK, outside the submitted work. Dr Miriam Barrecheguren reports personal fees from Grifols, Menarini, CSL Behring, GSK, Novartis, and Gebro Pharma, outside the submitted work. Dr Ilaria Ferrarotti reports personal fees from Grifols and grants from CSL Behring, outside the submitted work. Dr Timm Greulich reports personal fees from AstraZeneca, Berlin-Chemie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chiesi, CSL-Behring, Grifols, GSK, and Novartis, outside the submitted work. Professor Robert A Sandhaus reports participation in advisory boards for Grifols, CSL Behring, AstraZeneca, Mereo, and Inhibrx for which he receives reimbursement of travel expenses. Dr Michael Campos reports grants, non-financial support, and personal fees from CSL Behring, and grants and personal fees from Grifols, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2020 Chorostowska-Wynimko et al.)

Our aim was to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) as a therapeutic modality for β-cell preservation in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. Seventy type 1 diabetes patients (37 males; mean age 13.1 ± 4.1years) were randomized to treatment with 22 infusions of AAT (Glassia ® ) (60 or 120 mg/kg) or placebo. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) of C-peptide from a 2-h mixed-meal tolerance test after 52 weeks. At week 52, C-peptide was 0.9, 0.45, and 0.48 pmol/mL in the AAT-120, AAT-60, and placebo groups ( p = 0.170 and p = 0.866 vs. placebo, respectively). The declines in C-peptide glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the total insulin dose (U/kg) were similar across groups. Within the predefined 12-18-years subgroup, the C-peptide AUC decreased significantly in the placebo and AAT-60 groups (-0.34 and -0.54 pmol/mL, respectively, p < 0.01), with a borderline decrease in the AAT-120 group (-0.29 pmol/mL, p = 0.047). The mean HbA1c level was significantly lower in the AAT-120 group compared to the placebo (6.7% ± 0.9% vs. 8.2 ± 1.4%, p = 0.05), and a higher percentage of patients attained HbA1c ≤ 7% (75% vs. 25%, p = 0.05). AAT was tolerated well, with a similar safety profile between groups. The AAT intervention showed promise in the subgroup of adolescents with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. Further studies are warranted to determine the impact and proposed mechanism of action of AAT in β-cell preservation., Competing Interests: The study design was carried out by the investigators and the sponsor’s representatives. Data collection and the statistical analysis of results were performed by the external CRO. Data interpretation and writing were carried out by the investigators and the sponsor’s representatives. E.C.L. is on the advisory board of Kamada. D.E., M.S., and N. T. are employees of Kamada. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article are reported.

Patients with inherited α1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (ZZ-AATD) and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently experience exacerbations. We postulated that inhalation of nebulised AAT would be an effective treatment.We randomly assigned 168 patients to receive twice-daily inhalations of 80 mg AAT solution or placebo for 50 weeks. Patients used an electronic diary to capture exacerbations. The primary endpoint was time from randomisation to the first event-based exacerbation. Secondary endpoints included change in the nature of the exacerbation as defined by the Anthonisen criteria. Safety was also assessed.Time to first moderate or severe exacerbation was a median of 112 days (interquartile range (IQR) 40-211 days) for AAT and 140 days (IQR 72-142 days) for placebo (p=0.0952). The mean yearly rate of all exacerbations was 3.12 in the AAT-treated group and 2.67 in the placebo group (p=0.31). More patients receiving AAT reported treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events compared to placebo (57.5% versus 46.9%, respectively) and they were more likely to withdraw from the study. After the first year of the study, when modifications to the handling of the nebuliser were introduced, the rate of safety events in the AAT-treated group dropped to that of the placebo group.We conclude that in AATD patients with severe COPD and frequent exacerbations, AAT inhalation for 50 weeks showed no effect on time to first exacerbation but may have changed the pattern of the episodes., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: J. Stolk reports personal fees for consultancy from Kamada Ltd, during the conduct of the study, and grants from CSL Behring, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: N. Tov reports personal fees for consultancy from Kamada Ltd, during the conduct of the study, and is an employee of Kamada Ltd, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: K.R. Chapman reports personal fees for consultancy from Kamada Ltd, during the conduct of the study, and grants from CSL Behring and Grifols, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: P. Fernandez reports consultancy fees from Kamada Ltd, during the planning, design, conduct and reporting of the study. Conflict of interest: W. MacNee reports patient recruitment fees from Kamada Ltd, during the conduct of the study; and grants and personal fees from Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, and personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Zambon and Chiesi, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: N.S. Hopkinson has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: E. Piitulainen has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N. Seersholm has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: C.F. Vogelmeier reports grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, Grifols and Novartis, and personal fees from CSL Behring, Chiesi, Menarini, Mundipharma, Teva and Cipla, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: R. Bals reports grants from Kamada Ltd, during the conduct of the study; and grants from BMBF, DFG, Schwiete Stiftung, Sander-Stiftung and Boehringer Ingelheim, and personal fees for advisory board work and travel to meetings from GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Grifols, AstraZeneca and Novartis, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: G. McElvaney reports personal fees for advisory board work from CSL Behring, grants and personal fees for advisory board work from Grifols, and grants from Chiesi, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: R.A. Stockley reports personal fees for advisory board membership from Kamada Ltd, during the conduct of the study; personal fees for advisory board membership and lectures from AstraZeneca, personal fees for advisory board membership from Medimmune, Almirall, Baxter, Chiesi and Polyphor, personal fees for lectures from Nycomed and Takeda, and personal fees for advisory board membership, lectures and travel to meetings from Boehringer Ingelheim and CSL Behring, outside the submitted work., (Copyright ©ERS 2019.)

Multiple analytical and preclinical studies were performed to compare the biochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and neoantigenicity of a new 5% liquid formulation of Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (Liquid A1PI, Prolastin®-C Liquid) with the lyophilized version (Lyophilized A1PI, Prolastin®-C). Liquid A1PI and Lyophilized A1PI had similar average mass (~52 kDa), and both forms exhibited glycoform patterns consistent with the known banding pattern of A1PI (dominated by the M6 and M4 bands, including deconvoluted masses). Both Liquid A1PI and Lyophilized A1PI yielded average percent purity values ranging from 96% to 99% and had active content ranging from 53  mg/mL to 59  mg/mL. The PK profile of Liquid A1PI was similar to Lyophilized A1PI. Safety assessments in rabbits showed good tolerability and no test article-related changes in mortality, clinical signs, clinical pathology, body weight, food consumption, or urinalysis parameters. Following immunodepletion of antibodies that recognize Lyophilized A1PI, there were no significant differences in the anti-drug titers among animals immunized with Lyophilized A1PI and Liquid A1PI (p > 0.05), indicating that no antibodies to neoantigens were generated. Liquid A1PI and Lyophilized A1PI have similar profiles with respect to biochemical characteristics, PK, safety and neoantigenicity., (Copyright © 2019 International Alliance for Biological Standardization. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Despite the benefits of reperfusion in limiting myocardial injury, the infarct size continues to expand after reperfusion because of secondary inflammatory injury. Plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) inhibits the inflammatory injury in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. To explore the effects of plasma-derived AAT on the inflammatory response to ischemia-reperfusion injury, we analyzed time-to-reperfusion and enzymatic infarct size estimates in a post hoc analysis of the VCU-α1RT clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01936896)., Methods: Ten patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm treatment study of Prolastin C, plasma-derived AAT, at 60 mg/kg infused intravenously within 12 hours of reperfusion. Biomarkers were measured serially over the first 72 hours, and patients were followed clinically for the occurrence of new-onset heart failure, recurrent MI, or death. Twenty patients with STEMI who had been enrolled in previous randomized trials with identical inclusion/exclusion criteria and had been assigned to placebo served as historical controls., Results: Time to percutaneous coronary intervention and time to drug did not significantly differ between groups. AAT-treated patients had a significantly shorter time-to-peak creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) values (525 [480-735] vs. 789 [664-959] minute, P = 0.005) and CK-MB area under the curve (from 1204 [758-2728] vs. 2418 [1551-4289] U·day, P = 0.035), despite no differences in peak CK-MB (123 [30-196] vs. 123 [71-213] U/mL, P = 0.71)., Conclusions: A single administration of Prolastin C given hours after reperfusion in patients with STEMI led to a significant shorter time to peak and area under the curve for CK-MB, despite similar peak CK-MB values. These preliminary data support the hypothesis that Prolastin C shortens the duration of the ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with STEMI.

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency is a hereditary condition characterized by low alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor (also known as alpha 1 antitrypsin [AAT]) serum levels. Reduced levels of AAT allow abnormal degradation of lung tissue, which may ultimately lead to the development of early-onset emphysema. Intravenous infusion of AAT is the only therapeutic option that can be used to maintain levels above the protective threshold. Based on its biochemical efficacy, AAT replacement therapy was approved by the US Food and Drug administration in 1987. However, there remained considerable interest in selecting appropriate outcome measures that could confirm clinical efficacy in a randomized controlled trial setting. Using computed tomography as the primary measure of decline in lung density, the capacity for intravenously administered AAT replacement therapy to slow and modify the course of disease progression was demonstrated for the first time in the Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Augmentation Therapy in Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Deficiency (RAPID) trial. Following these results, an expert review forum was held at the European Respiratory Society to discuss the findings of the RAPID trial program and how they may change the landscape of alpha 1 antitrypsin emphysema treatment. This review summarizes the results of the RAPID program and the implications for clinical considerations with respect to diagnosis, treatment and management of emphysema due to alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency., Competing Interests: Disclosure Professor McElvaney reports grants and personal fees from CSL Behring, grants, personal fees and non-financial support from Grifols, outside the submitted work. Professor Chapman reports grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca, grants and personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, grants from Baxter, grants and personal fees from CSL Behring, grants and personal fees from Grifols, grants from GlaxoSmithKline, grants and personal fees from Sanofi, grants and personal fees from Genentech, grants and personal fees from Kamada, grants from Amgen, grants and personal fees from Roche, grants and personal fees from Novartis, personal fees from Merck and personal fees from CIHR-GSK Research Chair in Respiratory Health Care Delivery, UHN, during the conduct of the study. Professor Koczulla reports personal fees from CSL Behring, outside the submitted work. Dr Ferrarotti reports personal fees from CSL Behring, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic condition predisposing individuals to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment is generally extrapolated from COPD unrelated to AATD; however, most COPD trials exclude AATD patients; thus, this study sought to systematically review AATD-specific literature to assist evidence-based patient management., Methods: Standard review methodology was used with meta-analysis and narrative synthesis (PROSPERO-CRD42015019354). Eligible studies were those of any treatment used in severe AATD. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were the primary focus; however, case series and uncontrolled studies were eligible. All studies had ≥10 participants receiving treatment or usual care, with baseline and follow-up data (>3 months). Risk of bias was assessed appropriately according to study methodology., Results: In all, 7,296 studies were retrieved from searches; 52 trials with 5,632 participants met the inclusion criteria, of which 26 studies involved alpha-1 antitrypsin augmentation and 17 concerned surgical treatments (largely transplantation). Studies were grouped into four management themes: COPD medical, COPD surgical, AATD specific, and other treatments. Computed tomography (CT) density, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, health status, and exacerbation rates were frequently used as outcomes. Meta-analyses were only possible for RCTs of intravenous augmentation, which slowed progression of emphysema measured by CT density change, 0.79 g/L/year versus placebo ( P =0.002), and associated with a small increase in exacerbations 0.29/year ( P =0.02). Mortality following lung transplant was comparable between AATD- and non-AATD-related COPD. Surgical reduction of lung volume demonstrated inferior outcomes compared with non-AATD-related emphysema., Conclusion: Intravenous augmentation remains the only disease-specific therapy in AATD and there is evidence that this slows decline in emphysema determined by CT density. There is paucity of data around other treatments in AATD. Treatments for usual COPD may not be as efficacious in AATD, and further studies may be required for this disease group., Competing Interests: Disclosure Mr Edgar reports grants from HEE and NIHR, during the conduct of the study. This article presents independent research funded by the NIHR. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, NIHR, HEE, or the Department of Health. Dr Patel, Mrs Bayliss, and Dr Crossley have nothing to disclose. Dr Sapey reports grants from NIHR, during the conduct of the study, and grants from Medical Research Council, Alpha-1 Foundation, and British Lung Foundation, outside the submitted work. Dr Turner reports grants from Grifols Biotherapeutics, Alpha-1 Foundation, outside the submitted work, and The Birmingham AATD Registry has received past funds from CSL Behring for work in AATD, although this was not held by any of the authors. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Introduction: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often experience exacerbations. These events are important as they are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Recently, it has been increasingly recognized that patients may experience symptoms suggestive of an exacerbation but do not seek treatment, which are referred to as unreported or untreated exacerbations. Symptom diaries used in clinical trials have the benefit of identifying both treated and untreated exacerbation events., Methods: The Kamada study was a multicenter, double-blind randomized controlled trial of inhaled augmentation therapy in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). A retrospective review of daily electronic symptom diary cards was undertaken from the two leading centers to identify symptomatic episodes consistent with a definition of an exacerbation. The aims were to explore the relationship between exacerbation events and classical "Anthonisen" symptoms and to characterize treated and untreated episodes., Results: Forty-six AATD patients with airflow obstruction and history of exacerbations were included in the analysis. Two hundred thirty-three exacerbation episodes were identified: 103 untreated and 130 treated. Untreated episodes were significantly shorter (median 6 days; interquartile range [IQR] 3-10 days) than the treated episodes (median 10 days; IQR 5-18.25 days: P <0.001). Using logistic regression analysis, Anthonisen type and length of dyspnea were significant predictors of the treatment of an exacerbation event., Conclusion: Real-time electronic diary cards provide valuable information about the characterization of exacerbations. Untreated episodes are common and are significantly shorter in duration than the treated episodes. Dyspnea is the most important single Anthonisen symptom in the prediction and/or driver of treatment., Competing Interests: SIE was funded by a noncommercial grant from CSL Behring. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Background: In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, inhalation of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI) can prevent or slow down persistent infections and reduce the massive ongoing inflammation and excessive levels of NE that destroy the airway epithelium, leading to progressive loss of pulmonary function and death. It is essential for an efficient treatment with inhaled A1-PI that an adequate and reproducible dose is deposited within all regions of the lung. The I-neb AAD System provides two inhalation modes: the Target Inhalation Mode (TIM) and the Tidal Breathing Mode (TBM). Both were compared in this study for their efficiency to deliver A1-PI to the lungs., Methods: This was a randomized, open label, cross-over study to investigate the lung deposition of A1-PI in 6 healthy subjects (HS) and 15 CF subjects. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the total lung deposition relative to filling dose of A1-PI inhalation solution using the I-neb AAD System in TIM and in TBM. The main secondary endpoints were extra-thoracic deposition, exhaled drug fraction, nebulizer residue, C/P ratio, and variance of pixel counts. Additional exploratory endpoints were total treatment time and the inhalation time. Radiolabeling was performed considering GMP using a commercially available sterile labeling kit. Radiolabeling was validated using NGI data acquired by gamma scintillation and UV spectrometry., Results and Conclusions: The intrapulmonary deposition (mean ± SD) in CF subjects was 47.0% ± 6.6% and 46.7% ± 10.3% in TIM and TBM, respectively, and in healthy subjects, 50.0% ± 6.7% and 54.8% ± 7.0% in TIM and TBM, respectively. TIM resulted in an approximately 40% lower treatment time (HS 6.4 min vs. 10.3 min, CF 5.3 min vs. 10.7 min) and less extra-thoracic deposition compared to TBM, and showed a higher residue of drug in the nebulizer, compared to TBM. In both groups, inhalation of a single dose of 77 mg of A1-PI was efficient, safe, and well tolerated using TIM and TBM.

α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an autosomal co-dominant condition characterized by low circulating levels of α-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a serine protease inhibitor. Significant work has been carried out in the development of AAT augmentation therapy for AATD. While the majority of this activity has focused on intravenous (iv.) augmentation, evidence of a significant clinical benefit is still debated and iv. therapy is expensive, onerous and time consuming. Inhalation therapy offers the opportunity for easier and more efficient delivery of AAT directly to the lungs with some evidence of a reduction in local inflammatory and proteolytic activity, potentially offering an alternative therapeutic option to the iv. route. There are, however, theoretical obstacles to the potential efficacy of aerosol-delivered AAT and although there have been a number of short-term studies examining inhaled AAT and its effect on lung inflammation, there has only been one long-term study to date in AATD looking at clinical outcomes, which is as yet unpublished.

Background: Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an underdiagnosed genetic disorder that results in early-onset emphysema due to low serum levels of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI), leading to increased activity of tissue-damaging neutrophil elastase. Clinical outcomes of AATD may be improved by administering alpha1-PI augmentation therapy. Here, we describe the design of the ongoing Study of ProlAstin-c Randomized Therapy with Alpha-1 augmentation (SPARTA), a phase 3 trial designed to evaluate progression of lung tissue loss in patients with severe AATD receiving human alpha1-PI (Prolastin(®)-C) versus placebo, using whole-lung computed tomography (CT) densitometry., Study Design: SPARTA is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy and safety of two separate doses of Prolastin-C (60 and 120 mg/kg) administered weekly over 3 years in patients aged 18-70 years with a diagnosis of AATD and clinical evidence of pulmonary emphysema. The primary measure of efficacy (change from baseline whole-lung 15th percentile lung density [PD15]) will be determined by CT lung densitometry measured at total lung capacity. Secondary efficacy variables will be the evaluation of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, as defined by American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society criteria, and PD15 of the basal lung region using CT densitometry. Adverse events will be collected and documented., Conclusions: The SPARTA trial is designed to evaluate the long-term (3-year) efficacy of 2 separate doses of Prolastin-C for the treatment of emphysema in patients with AATD. Protocol number: GTi1201., Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT01983241., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Context: Recent studies have implicated proinflammatory responses in the mechanism of type 1 diabetes (T1D)., Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the safety and effects of therapy with the anti-inflammatory serum protein α1-antitrypsin (AAT) on islet function and innate immunity in recent-onset patients., Design and Setting: This was an open-label phase I trial at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Denver., Patients: Twelve recently diagnosed subjects with T1D with detectable C-peptides were included in the study., Intervention: Eight consecutive weekly infusions of 80 mg/kg of AAT were given., Main Outcome Measures: PATIENTS were monitored for adverse effects of AAT therapy, C-peptide responses to a mixed-meal tolerance test, and toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced cellular IL-1β in monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs)., Results: No adverse effects were detected. AAT led to increased, unchanged, or moderately reduced levels of C-peptide responses compared with baseline in 5 patients. The total content of TLR4-induced cellular IL-1β in monocytes at 12 months after AAT therapy was 3-fold reduced compared with baseline (P < .05). Furthermore, at baseline, 82% of monocytes produced IL-1β, but at 12 months after therapy, the level decreased to 42%. Similar reductions were observed using TLR7/8 and TLR3 agonists in monocytes and mDCs. Unexpectedly, the reduction in cellular IL-1β was observed only 9 and 12 months after treatment but not in untreated diabetics. Improved β-cell function in the 5 AAT-treated individuals correlated with lower frequencies of monocytes and mDCs producing IL-1β compared with subjects without improvement of islet function (P < .04 and P < .02, respectively)., Conclusions: We hypothesize that AAT may have a beneficial effect on T1D in recently diagnosed patients that is associated with downmodulation of IL-1β.

Augmentation therapy in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency aims to reduce the progression of lung emphysema, to reduce exacerbation frequency, and to improve quality of life. This expert statement briefly summarizes the most important treatment studies performed in patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and severe lung emphysema. Indications and contraindications for long-term intravenous augmentation therapy with human Alpha-1 Antitrypsin are derived from the available study results. Safety issues and the controversies of this topic are discussed in detail., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Augmentation therapy with the approved dose of 60 mg/kg weekly intravenous (IV) alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI), achieves a trough serum level of 11 μM in individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), yet this is still below the level observed in healthy individuals. This study assessed the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of weekly infusions of a 120 mg/kg dose of alpha1-PI in 30 adults with AATD. Subjects with symptomatic, genetically determined (genotypes PI*ZZ, PI*Z(null), PI*(null)(null) or PI*(Z)Mmalton) AATD were randomly assigned to weekly infusions of 60 or 120 mg/kg alpha1-PI (Prolastin-C®) for 8 weeks before crossing over to the alternate dose for 8 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) (including exacerbations), vital signs, pulmonary function tests, and laboratory assessments were recorded. Pharmacokinetic measurements included AUC0-7days, Cmax, trough, tmax, and t1/2, based on serum alpha1-PI concentrations. In total for both treatments, 112 AEs were reported, with exacerbation of COPD being the most frequent, consistent with the subjects' diagnoses. Mean steady-state serum alpha1-PI concentrations following 120 mg/kg weekly IV alpha1-PI were higher than with the 60 mg/kg dose and mean trough concentrations were 27.7 versus 17.3 μM, respectively. Dose proportionality was demonstrated for AUC0-7days and Cmax, with low inter-subject variability. The 120 mg/kg alpha1-PI weekly dose was considered to be safe and well tolerated, and provided more favorable physiologic alpha1-PI serum levels than the currently recommended 60 mg/kg dose. The effect of this dosing regimen on slowing and/or preventing emphysema progression in subjects with AATD warrants further investigation.

α(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a 52-kDa circulating serine protease inhibitor. Production of AAT by the liver maintains 0.9-1.75 mg/mL circulating levels. During acute-phase responses, circulating AAT levels increase more than fourfold. In individuals with one of several inherited mutations in AAT, low circulating levels increase the risk for lung, liver and pancreatic destructive diseases, particularly emphysema. These individuals are treated with lifelong weekly infusions of human plasma-derived AAT. An increasing amount of evidence appears to suggest that AAT possesses not only the ability to inhibit serine proteases, such as elastase and proteinase-3 (PR-3), but also to exert antiinflammatory and tissue-protective effects independent of protease inhibition. AAT modifies dendritic cell maturation and promotes T regulatory cell differentiation, induces interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 release, protects various cell types from cell death, inhibits caspases-1 and -3 activity and inhibits IL-1 production and activity. Importantly, unlike classic immunosuppressants, AAT allows undeterred isolated T-lymphocyte responses. On the basis of preclinical and clinical studies, AAT therapy for nondeficient individuals may interfere with disease progression in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, acute myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, transplant rejection, graft versus host disease and multiple sclerosis. AAT also appears to be antibacterial and an inhibitor of viral infections, such as influenza and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and is currently evaluated in clinical trials for type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis and graft versus host disease. Thus, AAT therapy appears to have advanced from replacement therapy, to a safe and potential treatment for a broad spectrum of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.

Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a relatively common, but under-recognized condition which manifests commonly with liver cirrhosis and emphysema. Specific therapy for lung-affected individuals with AATD is augmentation therapy, which consists of intravenous infusion of purified human plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). Augmentation therapy was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987 for emphysema associated with severe AATD and today, six augmentation therapy preparations, all of which derive from pooled human plasma, have received FDA approval., Areas Covered: This paper reviews augmentation therapy for AATD, including the various available commercial preparations, their processing and biochemical differences, evidence regarding biochemical and clinical efficacy, patterns of clinical use, adverse effect profiles, cost-effectiveness and potential uses in conditions other than emphysema associated with AATD. Novel and emerging strategies for treating AATD are briefly discussed next, including alternative dosing and administration strategies, recombinant preparations, small molecule inhibitors of neutrophil elastase and of AAT polymerization, autophagy-enhancing drugs and gene therapy approaches., Expert Opinion: We conclude with a discussion of our approach to managing patients with AATD and use of augmentation therapy.

Objective: Severe exacerbations in alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT)-deficient patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or emphysema are a major cause of hospitalization. A multicentre, observational, retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of continuous AAT augmentation therapy in reducing the incidence of exacerbations in these patients., Methods: Patients treated with Trypsone® or Prolastin® for at least 18 months were recruited if their medical records for 18 months before starting augmentation therapy were available. The number of mild and severe exacerbations in the two periods was compared and hospitalization-related costs were analysed., Results: A total of 127 patients were recruited; 75 of them experienced at least one exacerbation in the period prior to augmentation. In the treatment period, the mean number of exacerbations per patient was reduced in both the total population and the population with exacerbations (mean ± SD: 1.2 ± 1.6 versus 1.0 ± 2.2 and 2.0 ± 1.6 versus 1.4 ± 2.7, respectively; p < 0.01). The percentage of patients experiencing exacerbations was reduced in the total population (59.1% versus 44.1%; p < 0.05). In the patient subgroup of the total population who experienced a change in their number of exacerbations between the two periods, 43.7% had a reduction and 21.4% had an increase (p < 0.01). The number of severe exacerbations diminished in 42.9% of this subgroup and increased in 12.0% (p < 0.001). Most adverse events were nonserious or not related to treatment. Hospitalization costs savings per patient associated with treatment ranged from approximately € 400 to € 900 (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Augmentation therapy with AAT concentrates was associated with a reduction in the incidence and severity of exacerbations in AAT-deficient patients, which resulted in lower hospitalization expenditures.

To infect host cells, most enveloped viruses must insert a hydrophobic fusion peptide into the host cell membrane. Thus, fusion peptides may be valuable targets for developing drugs that block virus entry. We have shown previously that a natural 20-residue fragment of α(1)-antitrypsin, designated VIRus-Inhibitory Peptide (VIRIP), that binds to the gp41 fusion peptide of HIV-1 prevents the virus from entering target cells in vitro. Here, we examine the efficacy of 10-day monotherapy with the optimized VIR-576 derivative of VIRIP in treatment-naïve, HIV-1-infected individuals with viral RNA loads of ≥10,000 copies per ml. We report that at the highest dose (5.0 grams per day), intravenous infusion of VIR-576 reduced the mean plasma viral load by 1.23 log(10) copies per ml without causing severe adverse effects. Our results are proof of concept that fusion peptide inhibitors suppress viral replication in human patients, and offer prospects for the development of a new class of drugs that prevent virus particles from anchoring to and infecting host cells.

Previous studies have shown that human alpha-1 antitrypsin (hAAT) gene delivery prevents type 1 diabetes (T1D) in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Furthermore, hAAT protein administration prolongs acceptance of islet allografts. Therefore, we evaluated the use of purified hAAT protein therapy to prevent T1D in NOD mice. Female NOD, non-obese resistant (NOR), Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with vehicle alone or vehicle containing hAAT, human albumin or mouse albumin (or mg/injection/mouse; 2x/week). Preparations of clinical-grade hAAT included API(R), Aralast, Prolastin and Zemaira. Surprisingly, hAAT administration was associated with a high rate of fatal anaphylaxis. In studies seeking T1D prevention at 4 weeks of age, 100% mice died after six injections of hAAT. When administrated at 8-10 weeks of age, most (80-100%) NOD mice died following the fourth injection of hAAT, while 0% of Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice and 10% of NOR mice died. Interestingly, repeated injections of human albumin, but not mouse albumin, also induced sudden death in NOD mice. Antibodies to hAAT were induced 2-3 weeks after hAAT administration and death was prevented by treatment with anti-platelet-activating factor along with anti-histamine. In studies of disease reversal in NOD mice, using the four pharmaceutical grade formulations of hAAT, anaphylactic deaths were observed with all hAAT preparations. The propensity for fatal anaphylaxis following antigenic administration appears to be NOD- but not hAAT-specific. The susceptibility of NOD mice to hypersensitivity provides a significant limitation for testing of hAAT. Development of strategies to avoid this unwanted response is required to use this promising therapeutic agent for T1D.

Conformational diseases include heterogeneous disorders sharing a similar pathological mechanism, leading to intracellular aggregation of proteins with toxic effects. Serpins are commonly involved in these diseases. These are structurally sensitive molecules that modify their folding under even minor genetic or environmental variations. Indeed, under normal conditions, the rate of misfolding of serpins is high and unfolded serpins must be degraded by the proteasome system. Our aim was to study the effects of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, on conformationally sensitive serpins. The effects of bortezomib were analysed in patients with multiple myeloma, HepG2 cells, and Swiss mice, as well as in vitro. Levels, anti-FXa activity, heparin affinity, and conformational features of antithrombin, a relevant anticoagulant serpin, were analysed. Histological, ultrastructural features and immunohistological distribution of antithrombin and alpha1-antitrypsin (another hepatic serpin) were evaluated. We also studied the intracellular accumulation of conformationally sensitive (fibrinogen) or non-sensitive (prothrombin) hepatic proteins. The inhibition of the proteasome caused intracellular accumulation and aggregation of serpins within the endoplasmic reticulum that was associated with confronting cisternae and Mallory body formation. These effects were accompanied by a heat stress response. Bortezomib also increased the levels of intracellular fibrinogen, but has no significant effect on prothrombin. Finally, bortezomib had only minor effects on the mature circulating antithrombin, with increased amounts of latent antithrombin in plasma. These results suggest that the impairment of proteasomal activities leads to an intracellular accumulation of conformationally sensitive proteins and might facilitate the release of misfolded serpins into circulation where they adopt more stable conformations.

Purpose of Review: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively common genetic disease that predisposes to the development of early-onset emphysema and, in some instances, liver disease. The use of alpha-1-antitrypsin replacement therapy in the treatment of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency related emphysema is much debated and the purpose of this review is to examine the results of recent studies. We will comment briefly on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease together with new therapeutic approaches currently under intense research., Recent Findings: Several nonrandomized observational studies and one meta-analysis on the clinical effectiveness of alpha-1-antitrypsin replacement treatment showed a favourable result towards reducing forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) deterioration in alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficient individuals with moderate lung disease or accelerated FEV1 decline. Improved ways of monitoring disease progression, including computed tomography scanning and exacerbations, are being proposed as primary endpoints. Apart from one small randomized, placebo-controlled trial using computed tomography scanning, which showed a trend toward preservation of lung density on scanning with treatment, the literature lacks proof of effectiveness from large randomized trials., Summary: There might be a possible, but so far unproven, role of alpha-1-antitrypsin augmentation therapy in reducing the progression of emphysema in subsets of patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials are required to draw firm conclusions. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular pathology provide opportunities for development of new therapeutic targets for this genetic disorder.

Arriva Pharmaceuticals Inc and Hyland Immuno are developing a nebulized formulation of the recombinant alpha1-antitrypsin (rAAT) for the potential treatment of respiratory disorders, including emphysema, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The therapy, as a nebulized formulation, is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials.

alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a common but under-recognised condition. Since its first description by Laurell and Eriksson in 1963, significant advances have been made in understanding the genetics, physiology and pathophysiology of this condition. The intravenous administration of purified AAT to AAT-deficient individuals has been shown to confer biochemical efficacy by raising the serum AAT level above an epidemiologically established 'protective threshold' while preserving the biochemical properties and functional capacity of the protease inhibitor. Although the lack of a large randomised controlled trial to date has precluded the definitive demonstration of clinical efficacy of intravenous AAT augmentation therapy, substantial evidence supporting its use in AAT-deficient individuals with moderate airflow obstruction has accumulated. For example, both large observational studies comparing rates of forced expiratory volume decline among recipients of augmentation therapy versus non-recipients have shown slower rates of decline among augmentation therapy recipients, especially those with moderately severe airflow obstruction. Also, some evidence suggests that use of augmentation therapy confers an anti-inflammatory effect. For example, a web-based survey suggested that recipients of augmentation therapy experienced fewer respiratory infections than non-recipients. Despite its high cost, intravenous AAT augmentation therapy remains the only US FDA-approved treatment option for patients with AAT deficiency. Research into new and evolving treatments is currently underway.

Study Objectives: To describe patterns of prescribing augmentation therapy, and types and rates of adverse events in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Registry for Individuals with Severe Deficiency of Alpha(1)-Antitrypsin., Design: Observational cohort study with follow-up visits every 6 to 12 months for up to 7 years., Measurements: The rate and dosing frequency with which Registry participants were prescribed to receive augmentation therapy by their managing physicians, and the type and frequency of adverse events, classified in two ways: severity of self-reported symptoms, and actions taken as a consequence of the symptom., Results: Over the course of Registry follow-up, 66% (n = 747) of the participants received augmentation therapy at some time. In keeping with recommendations made in the 1989 American Thoracic Society (ATS) statement, 75% of participants with airflow obstruction at first visit (defined as FEV(1) < 80% predicted) received augmentation therapy within 3 years, though some participants with FEV(1) > or = 80% predicted (14%) also received augmentation therapy. Among those with COPD for whom augmentation therapy was not prescribed, financial constraints were the reported cause in 30%. Observed patterns also varied from approved practice, in that dosing frequencies other than the US Food and Drug Administration-approved, once-weekly regimen were frequently prescribed. The overall rate of reported adverse events was 0.02 per patient-month, with 83% of participants reporting no events. This overall rate was composed of 16% considered mild events, 76% moderate events, and 9% severe events., Conclusions: We conclude that augmentation therapy was generally well tolerated and, consistent with ATS guidelines, physicians generally did not prescribe augmentation therapy for subjects with FEV(1) > or = 80% predicted. However, the large percentage of subjects with FEV(1) <80% predicted not receiving augmentation therapy and the frequent use of 2- to 3-week or monthly dosing reflects variation of practice from suggested treatment guidelines.

In this paper a number of studies will be summarized which were designed to improve the inhalation of alpha 1 -protease inhibitor in patients with alpha 1-protease inhibitor deficiency. A pilot study has shown that the high inter-individual variability of drug deposition in the lungs is due to heterogeneous breathing patterns of the patients. Controlling the breathing pattern led to a significantly decreased variability. Then it was studied which particle size and breathing pattern resulted in highest peripheral lung deposition in patients with emphysema. It was found that for 3 - 4 microm particles and slow inhalation flow rate the peripheral deposition increases with increasing inhalation volume. After the development of an inhalation device which allows to perform controlled inhalations in clinical practice it was shown that this device, in combination with a breathing pattern individually normalized to the patients lung function, allows to deposit nearly 60 % of the drug into the patients lung periphery.

PPL Therapeutics is developing transgenic alpha-1-antitrypsin for the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung disease and other conditions in which connective tissue is broken down irreversibly. AAT is a plasma protein that inhibits elastase, a key player in the inflammatory response that, unchecked, will lead to excessive tissue destruction. PPL has taken transgenic alpha-1-antitrypsin through phase II clinical trials in the cystic fibrosis lung, delivering it in aerosol form to assess its safety and efficacy [315887]. Although early results are not statistically relevant with respect to clinical benefit, they do show some promise, especially given the low numbers of patients studied and the complex phenotypes and severities associated with cystic fibrosis.

A 44 yr-old female with severe pulmonary emphysema and reduced alpha-1-protease inhibitor (alpha1-PI) serum levels developed an acute anaphylactic reaction following the third intravenous infusion of human alpha1-PI which was administered to prevent the progression of pulmonary emphysema. Specific immunoglobulin E-antibodies against human alpha1-PI could be demonstrated in the patient's serum using an enzyme allergosorbent test. Because of the risk of further severe anaphylactic reaction, the replacement therapy with alpha1-PI was discontinued. Physicians should be aware of this rare complication.

One hundred sixty-four consecutive cases of primary liver carcinoma were evaluated for tumor type, (i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], cholangiocarcinoma [CC], and combined hepatocholangiocarcinoma [CHCC]), and for signs of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) in the surrounding liver tissue. Hepatocellular globular alpha-1-antitrypsin deposits, as detected by a monoclonal antibody to the mutant PiZ alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), were seen in 13 cases (7.9%). With regard to tumor type, 4 of 111 HCC cases (3.5%), but 4 of 37 CC cases (10.5%), and even 5 of 16 CHCC cases (30%) were positive for this antitrypsin variant. In all but 1 of 13 cases of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, the carcinoma developed in noncirrhotic liver tissue of elderly people (mean age, 62.9 years). In three patients, a heterozygous state of ATT (PiMZ) could be revealed using isoelectric focusing or direct genetic analysis. We conclude from our findings that CHCC and CC especially might be associated with PiZ alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Primary liver carcinoma might develop even in a heterozygote state of PiZ alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency without concurrent liver disease. Furthermore, liver cirrhosis is not a precondition for these tumors.

Alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) deficiency is a genetic disorder characterized by low serum levels of alpha1-AT and a high risk of pulmonary emphysema at a young age. The resulting surplus of proteases, mainly of neutrophil elastase, can be balanced by i.v. augmentation with alpha1-AT. However, it is not clear if affected patients benefit from long-term augmentation therapy and no long-term safety data are available. We examined 443 patients with severe alpha1-AT deficiency and pulmonary emphysema receiving weekly i.v. infusions of 60 mg x kg body weight(-1) alpha1-AT in addition to their regular medication. The progression of the disease was assessed by repeated lung function measurements, particularly the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (deltaFEV1). Four hundred and forty three patients with alpha1-AT deficiency tolerated augmentation therapy well with few adverse reactions. The deltaFEV1 in 287 patients with available follow-up data was 57.1+/-31.1 mL x yr(-1). Stratified for baseline FEV1, the decline was 35.6+/-21.3 mL in the 108 patients with an initial FEV1 <30% and 64.0+/-26.4 mL in the 164 with FEV1 30-65% of predicted normal (p=0.0008). The remaining 15 patients had an initial FEV1 >65% pred. Long-term treatment with i.v. alpha1-antitrypsin in patients with severe alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is feasible and safe. The decline in forced expiratory volume in one second is related to the initial forced expiratory volume in one second as in alpha1-antitrypsin deficient patients not receiving augmentation therapy.

Objectives: To ascertain how long 120 mg/kg alpha1-antitrypsin concentrate (alpha1-AT-C), administered I.V. every 2 weeks, can maintain alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) serum levels above 70 to 80 mg/dL. Secondary objectives were to summarize the nature, severity, and relationship of a plasma-derived alpha1-AT-C infusion to any side effects., Methods: This was an open-label uncontrolled pharmacokinetic study. Alpha1-AT-C was administered I.V. every 2 weeks for 10 infusions in 23 patients with PIZ alpha1-AT deficiency. Serum alpha1-AT levels and neutralizing elastase activity were measured preinfusion, postinfusion, and at nadir. During two infusion periods, daily serum alpha1-AT and neutralizing elastase activities were measured on the seventh to 14th days. Five patients received BAL assays for alpha1-AT and neutralizing elastase activity. Adverse events were recorded in a patient diary and by a nurse at each infusion visit., Results: The 120-mg/kg dose of alpha1-AT-C could not maintain nadir serum protective levels above 70 or 80 mg/dL for the entire 14-day dosing interval in most patients. None of the patients had alpha1-AT levels above 80 mg/dL for all 14 days. The serum alpha1-AT and neutralizing elastase levels correlated suggesting functional activity. The BAL alpha1-AT and neutralizing elastase activities were low and did not correlate with serum levels., Conclusion: Alpha1-AT-C at 120 mg/kg administered every 2 weeks did not maintain nadir serum alpha1-AT levels above 70 to 80 mg/dL for a 14-day dosing interval. Higher doses every 2 weeks or decreased interval between infusions may be required.

This retrospective chart review describes the efficacy and safety of long-term administration of intravenous alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) in 14 patients with hereditary AAT deficiency and COPD. During the 12- to 48-month observation period, 12 to 14 patients had stabilization of functional status; 4 patients had reductions in hospitalizations. Thirteen of 14 patients had no decline in pulmonary function. Three patients had self-limited adverse reactions to the AAT with one patient requiring a brief hospitalization.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate adverse reaction reports of pain and/or cyanosis attributed to alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (A1PI), a plasma alpha-globulin protein used to treat A1PI deficiency., Patients and Methods: The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Spontaneous Reporting System for the collection and analysis of suspected adverse reactions to drugs and biologics was searched for all reports with dates from January 1, 1988, through October 31, 1989, in which A1PI was named as the suspect biologic. A case of pain and/or cyanosis was defined and characteristics of cases were compared with all other reactions. Information about the production of A1PI and results from animal studies conducted by the manufacturer were also gathered., Results: Fourteen cases of acute chest pain, back pain, and/or cyanosis among patients receiving A1PI infusions were reported to the FDA. The clinical aspects of reported cases were consistent with a rapidly acting, nonallergic mechanism and were easily distinguished from other reactions associated with A1PI. The characteristics of reported cases, the epidemic curve, and lot-specific analyses suggested a point source and strongly implicated two A1PI lots. Information about the production of A1PI and results from animal studies further implicated high-molecular-weight polysaccharides associated with sucrose stabilization of the suspect lots., Conclusion: These cases resemble adverse reactions attributed to complexes of protamine and heparin (a mucopolysaccharide). Similar vasoactive mechanisms are suggested. Research is needed to further define the pathophysiology associated with polysaccharide moieties.

In a multi-centre study 20 patients with severe congenital alpha-1-Pi deficiency and progressive pulmonary emphysema received infusions of alpha-1-Pi concentrate from human plasma once weekly for six months, at an initial dosage of 60 mg/kg body-weight, in some instances slightly increased to achieve a minimum serum level above 70 mg/100 ml. The immunologically measured serum level of alpha-1-Pi rose 30 min after start of the infusion by a mean of 130% of normal, at an initial level of 13%. An exponential fall followed this rise. The lowest level occurred at the end of the first week, immediately before the next infusion, to 35% of normal, a serum level which is assumed still to provide an effective protection against elastases in the lung. There was also a definite increase of free inhibitors against both trypsin and leucocyte-elastase in serum of all patients, with a minimal level which for both was many times that of the initial value. There were no side-effects in more than 500 infusions and no dose reduction was necessary. During the entire course there were no significant changes in haematological, coagulation and biochemical test results, and lung function means remained constant. No antibodies against alpha-1-Pi were demonstrated, nor transmission of hepatitis B.

The hereditary disorder alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) deficiency results in the development of emphysema due to a diminished anti-neutrophil elastase screen of the lower respiratory tract. Specific therapy for this disorder is available in the form of weekly intravenous infusions of human plasma alpha 1AT, which effectively reconstitute the anti-elastase screen of the lung in these individuals. In an attempt to reduce the frequency of therapy we evaluated the ability of monthly infusions of alpha 1AT to provide equivalent lower respiratory tract protection against neutrophil elastase. Intravenous infusion of 250 mg/kg of alpha 1AT at 28-day intervals to nine individuals with alpha 1AT deficiency and emphysema was carried out for 12 months. Serum alpha 1AT levels exceeded the protective threshold for an average of 25 days after each dose of alpha 1AT was administered. Furthermore, the postinfusion level of alpha 1AT in the nadir lung epithelial lining fluid was fivefold greater than the preinfusion level, and the anti-neutrophil elastase capacity of the nadir epithelial lining fluid also was elevated significantly, nearly threefold above the preinfusion level. These results indicate that monthly administration of human alpha 1AT is fully capable of adequately augmenting serum and lung alpha 1AT levels and anti-elastase capacity and is therefore a rational alternative to weekly therapy.