18.02.10
Pharming identifies new indication for C1 inhibitor
Leiden – Pharming Group NV has identified a new indication for its recombinant C1 esterase inhibitor besides of hereditary angioedema (more...). Yesterday, the company reported results from a preclinical study that suggests its rhC1INH could play an important therapeutic role in the prevention of delayed graft function (DGF) after solid organ transplantation (J Pathol. 176(4)), with current treatments including immunosuppressant agents. The firm stated that there is potential for the orphan drug in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injuries – in particular in the prevention of DGF following kidney transplantation. The C1 inhibitor, produced in the milk of transgenic rabbits, significantly reduced several ischemia/reperfusion-related inflammatory processes such as the infiltration with CD163(+), SWC3a(+), CD4a(+), and CD8a(+) cells and also limited tissue damage in a swine model of ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage, according to the study sponsored by Pharming and performed at the University of Bari. As inflammatory processes in pigs appear similar to those in humans, the results point to the potential of the C1 inhibitor for treatment and prevention of ischemia tissue damage in human patients.