Phase II/III Study of an Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (Kamada-API) in Individuals With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, also called Alpha-1-Proteinase Inhibitor (API) deficiency, is a genetic disorder characterized by the production of an abnormal amount of AAT protein and reduced circulating levels of this protein. Subjects with AAT deficiency are at increased risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is believed that this is the result of the chronic activity of elastase released by cells continually present in the lungs in low numbers.

This study is a randomized, double-blind comparison of Kamada API, an Alpha-1-Proteinase Inhibitor with a currently marketed API product.

Inclusion criteria

• Signed informed consent.
• "At-risk" alleles associated with serum AAT < 11 μM including null alleles and deficiency alleles. This must be documented in the subject's history or laboratory tests performed at screening.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Evidence of lung disease related to AAT deficiency, identified by at least one of the following:

• FEV1<80% predicted (post BD); or
• Loss of lung function over a one year period of greater than 35ml in FEV1; or
• HRCT evidence of pulmonary emphysema
• For actively treated subjects, agreement to not receive any exogenous API product (i.e. washout) for five weeks prior to first study infusion.
• Use of an effective means of contraception during the 24 weeks of study drug administration (this is applicable to both sexes).
• Subjects on the BAL, bronchial brushing/biopsy group must be on inhaled corticosteroids at a stable dose two weeks prior the first Bronchoscopy and throughout the dosing period up the final bronchoscopy.

Exclusion criteria

• Laboratory evidence of severe IgA deficiency (from medical history or by IgA testing at screening of at least 20% of lower range).
• Current smoker or a history of smoking within the past 3 months.
• History of allergy to plasma proteins.
• Participation in another experimental drug or device trial within the past 30 days.
• Evidence of uncontrolled hypertension (systolic ≥180 mm Hg, and/or diastolic ≥ 110 mm Hg on 3 consecutive occasions in the supine position)
• Pulse ≥ 120/min (prior to the 1st infusion).
• Abnormal screening or baseline laboratory measurements that in the opinion of the Investigator would affect subject safety.
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• Current life-threatening malignancy.
• Previous organ transplant recipient.
• History of infection with HCV, HBV and/or HIV 1 or 2, or (at baseline) infection indicated by laboratory measurements obtained at screening.
• Acute respiratory tract infection or COPD exacerbation which required antibiotic and/or systemic steroid treatment within the past 6 weeks. Patient can be re-evaluated for enrollment 6 weeks after an exacerbation.
• Any other condition which in the judgment of the investigator may interfere with the conduct of the study.
• If an adequate home health care agency cannot be established by Centric Health Resources due to a potential subject's geographical location.

Exclusion criteria

for subjects entering into the BAL and bronchial biopsy/brushing:

• FEV1 < 45% predicted (post-BD).
• Inability to undergo bronchoscopy.
• Allergy to lidocaine.
• Exacerbation of COPD in the previous 6 weeks.