Arrowhead kicks off Phase 2 study of AAT drug to treat liver disease

Arrowhead kicks off Phase 2 study of AAT drug to treat liver disease

By Jeff Buchanan, Xconomy

Arrowhead_logoArrowhead Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial for its drug candidate aimed at treating rare liver diseases associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, the company said on Tuesday.

AAT deficiency is a genetic disorder that involves mutation of the gene that encodes the AAT molecule. With this mutation, AAT gets trapped inside the liver cells that produce it, rendering the molecule unable to perform functions such as protecting the lungs from inflammation. That can increase the odds of developing lung disease, while the buildup of AAT proteins in the liver can also lead to disease in that organ.

The recently launched study of ARC-AAT, as Arrowhead’s drug candidate is known, will involve eight to 12 patients with the disorder, the company said in a news release. They will be divided into two cohorts, with one receiving a larger dose of the drug. Both groups will receive seven doses of ARC-AAT, with four-week intervals in between treatments. Likewise, all patients will undergo pre- and post-dose liver biopsies, with the latter completed at day 183, the company said. The trial will take place at facilities in Canada, Ireland, and Sweden, according to the release. Read more …