Kamada Ltd. (TASE: KMDA) reports positive results of its Phase II clinical trial of its Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) protein for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The company said that AAT achieved significant reduction in inflammation in the lungs, compared with the placebo. Lung inflammation is the main symptom of the disease and the main cause of patients' deterioration.
On the basis of the trial results, Kamada will now be able to begin Phase III clinical trials with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Phase II trial was conducted with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).
Prof. Eitan Kerem of Hadassah Medical Organization Mount Scopus headed the trial team. He said, "The study results indicate significant potential in the use of nasal AAT in treating cystic fibrosis, and improving the quality of patients' lives and extending them."
100,000 people worldwide have cystic fibrosis, and they have an average life expectancy of 30 years. New drugs have extended their lifespans by many years. AAT uses a different mechanism from other drugs, and can be combined with current treatment regimes.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 15, 2008
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