José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Levels of complement proteins — proteins of the immune system — may predict disease activity in patients with hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE), according to Japanese researchers. Their study, “The relationship between complement levels and disease activity in Japanese family cases of hereditary angioedema with C1-INH…

A newly identified mutation in the plasminogen (PLG) gene is associated with a characteristic hereditary angioedema (HAE) phenotype and may represent a new HAE subtype, a German study reports. The research, “A missense mutation in the plasminogen gene, within the plasminogen kringle 3 domain, in hereditary…

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will begin an accelerated review of Shire’s lanadelumab, a treatment candidate to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) swelling attacks, the company announced. This follows the EMA’s acceptance of Shire’s marketing authorization application (MAA) for the potential therapy, which reduces the number of days…

A Brazilian study shows that C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) therapy is a safe and efficient option for long-term prophylaxis (prevention) of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in pregnant women with who have normal C1-INH levels. The research, “Use of pdC1-INH concentrate for long-term prophylaxis during pregnancy in hereditary angioedema with…

A new model estimates the association between doses of a subcutaneous medication and risk for an attack in hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients, a recent study shows. The research, “Exposure-Response Model of Subcutaneous C1-Inhibitor Concentrate to Estimate the Risk of Attacks in Patients With Hereditary Angioedema,” was published…

An oral candidate for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) has begun a phase 1 clinical trial, KalVista Pharmaceuticals recently announced. HAE is a rare genetic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling (angioedema) and potential pain, nausea, and vomiting. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1…