Multi-center study: the biochemical efficacy, safety and tolerability of a new alpha1-proteinase inhibitor, Zemaira

COPD. 2006 Mar;3(1):17-23. doi: 10.1080/15412550500493220.

Abstract

Augmentation therapy with a plasma derived alpha l-Proteinase Inhibitor (alpha1 -PI) has been demonstrated to be effective in restoring serum Alpha1 -antitrypsin (AAT)* levels in individuals with AAT Deficiency (note: alpha1 PI and AAT are synonymous). The objective of this study was to demonstrate that the steady-state trough serum alphal-PI levels, achieved by a new plasma derived alpha,-PI (Zemaira, study drug, ZLB Behring LLC, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA), were bioequivalent to those achieved by the currently available alpha-PI therapy, Prolastin (control drug, Bayer Corporation, Berkeley, California, USA), and maintained weekly trough serum antigenic alpha1-PI levels above the protective threshold of 11 microM. This multi-center, controlled study randomized a total of 44 subjects to receive either study or control drug for a 10-week double-blind phase. The control group was then crossed over to receive the study drug for the remainder of the study (14 weeks). The difference in mean trough serum antigenic alpha1-PI level between the treatment groups was 1.45 microM (90% CI-2.77, -0.13), signifying bioequivalence. The mean trough serum antigenic alpha1-PI level in the study drug group was greater than the therapeutic threshold of 11 microM, achieving a level of 17.7 microM during the steady-state period. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were seen in 7% and 21% of study and control drug treated subjects, respectively. No documented viral transmission occurred. These results demonstrate that the new plasma derived alpha1-PI (Zemaira) is bioequivalent to the currently available product Prolastin, is well tolerated, and safe with respect to the risk of viral transmission.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / blood
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Therapeutic Equivalency
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / blood
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / pharmacokinetics
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / therapeutic use*
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / blood
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin