Majority of PI patients can be switched to IgPro20 without dose adjustment

CSL BehringMar 3 2010

Data from a European multicenter (non-IND study) showing that patients with PI who switched to IgPro20 from previously available SCIg formulations achieved comparable IgG trough levels without dosage adjustment, resulting in significantly less administration volume. The data were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, US.

“There are currently little data available on switching from one SCIg to another”

The data were based on a sub-analysis of a multicenter study of 51 patients with PID switched from their previous treatment to an equivalent dose of weekly subcutaneous infusions of IgPro20. Nineteen patients were switched from other SCIg therapies, including 16% subcutaneous immunoglobulin>

“There are currently little data available on switching from one SCIg to another,” said Dr. Stephen Jolles, Consultant Clinical Immunologist, University Hospital of Wales, U.K. “Our study suggests that the majority of patients can be switched to IgPro20 without dose adjustment, resulting in significantly less administration volume, providing reassuring evidence for physicians whose patients may require a change in treatment.”

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are a group of nearly 100 types of disorder that result from the defective development and maturation of the immune system. The clinical hallmark of these disorders is increased susceptibility to infection. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is indicated for patients who suffer from recurrent infections due to a lack of protective antibodies. Repeated infections can lead to organ damage, which over time can become life-threatening. In some severe cases of PI, infections may result in a patient being hospitalized repeatedly. Some infections, such as meningitis, can even result in death. Most types of PI are inherited, but in some cases the cause is unknown.

No single treatment works for all types of PI. Infusions of replacement antibodies (immunoglobulins) can help supplement the immune system to prevent infection in the nearly three-quarters of people living with PI whose disease is due to an antibody deficiency.

IgPro20 is currently being reviewed by the FDA for use as weekly immunoglobulin replacement therapy in patients with PI. If approved, it will represent a new treatment option for patients who want the freedom and convenience of self-administering their replacement therapy.