Pharming's C1 inhibitor product potentially effective in reducing complications following transplantation

17-Feb-2010 - Netherlands

Pharming Group NV announced publication of preclinical evidence that its recombinant human C1 inhibitor (rhC1INH) may play an important therapeutic role in the prevention of delayed graft function (DGF) after solid organ transplantation. The published study results further indicate the potential for the product in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injuries and in particular in the prevention of DGF following kidney transplantation.

Pharming's rhC1INH significantly reduced several ischemia/reperfusion-related inflammatory processes and significantly limited tissue damage in a swine model of ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage. As the inflammatory processes in pigs are very similar to those in humans, these results form a clear indication of the potential of rhC1INH for treatment and prevention of ischemia tissue damage in patients.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury is the major cause of DGF in transplanted kidneys. DGF is an early sign associated with poor long-term graft function and survival. Current treatments of DGF include the use of immune suppressing agents. Much attention is also paid to prevention of DGF by continuous improvement of the transplantation procedure itself and the conditions under which the organs or tissues are stored and treated during the procedure. Because of its unique anti-inflammatory properties Pharming's rhC1Inh may complement current transplantation procedures and current treatment of DGF.

In October 2009, Pharming announced the beneficial results of another preclinical study in the field of ischemia-reperfusion injuries, focussing on the reduction of damage following brain infarcts (stroke). Several studies in rodents indicate that the complement system plays a pivotal role in renal ischemia reperfusion injury. To date, however, limited information was available from humans and larger animals. This swine study has been supported by a research grant from Pharming and was performed by researchers from the University of Bari, Italy. The results are published in the American Journal of Pathology Feb 2010; 176(4) by Dr Giuseppe Castellano and Professor Giuseppe Grandaliano from the University of Bari.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/113579/pharming-s-c1-inhibitor-product-potentially-effective-in-reducing-complications-following-transplantation.html