Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Yale University

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Leonard Bell

Russell P Rother

Stephen P Squinto

Mark James Evans

Camille Bedrosian

Joseph A Madri

Richard A Flavell

Scott A Rollins

Peter J Sims

Eileen A Elliot

Alfred L Bothwell

Stephen L Warren

Mark J Evans

Alfred L M Bothwell

Daniel J Luthringer

This invention provides, inter alia, a complement-inhibitor-based treatment plan coupled with a risk evaluation and management strategy ('REMS') and a safety support program ('SSP') for reinforcing the REMS. The REMS and SPP are implemented using one or more computer devices with software tools programmed to enforce conditions of the REMS and/or prompt follow-ups by registered nurses enrolled in the SSP. The software tool(s) determines whether a prescriber requesting the complement inhibitor has agreed to abide by the REMS, and can prompt a provider of the complement inhibitor to provide updated educational materials to the prescriber at predetermined times or intervals, to monitor the prescriber for compliance with the REMS, and/or to monitor patients for signs of adverse events. Using exemplary embodiments described herein, a risk of adverse events (especially, but not limited to, meningococcal infections) can be managed and an incidence of the adverse events can be reduced.

Risk evaluation and management strategy involving patient follow-ups relating to the use or discontinuation of a complement inhibitor

Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5 that inhibits terminal complement activation, showed activity in a preliminary 12-week open-label trial in a small cohort of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The present study examined whether chronic eculizumab therapy could reduce intravascular hemolysis, stabilize hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center global Phase III trial. It has been found that eculizumab stabilized hemoglobin levels, decreased the need for transfusions, and improved quality of life in PNH patients via reduced intravascular hemolysis. Chronic eculizumab treatment appears to be a safe and effective therapy for PNH.

Treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients by an inhibitor of complement

The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, compositions containing an inhibitor of human complement and use of the compositions in methods for treating or preventing complement-associated disorders. In some embodiments, the inhibitor is chronically administered to patients. In some embodiments, the inhibitor is administered to a patient in an amount and with a frequency to maintain systemic complement inhibition and prevent breakthrough. In some embodiments, the compositions contain an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds to a human complement component C5 protein or a fragment of the protein such as C5a or C5b.

Methods for treating complement-associated disorders

Methods and compositions for treating complement-associated disorders

Methods of reducing mortality in myocardial infarction patients receiving a stent in connection with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty include administering an anti-inflammatory compound to the patient. In one embodiment, the anti-inflammatory compound is an antibody to a complement component.

Methods for reducing morality associated with acute myocardial infarction

Genetically engineered cells are provided which can serve as universal donor cells in such applications as reconstruction of vascular linings or the administration of therapeutic agents. The cells include a coding region which provides protection against complement-based lysis, i.e., hyperacute rejection. In addition, the cell's natural genome is changed so that functional proteins encoded by either the class II or both the class I and the class II major histocompatibility complex genes do not appear on the cell's surface. In this way, attack by T-cells is avoided. Optionally, the cells can include a self-destruction mechanism so that they can be removed from the host when no longer needed.

Universal donor cells

Genetically engineered endothelial cells which exhibit enhanced cell migration and enhanced urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) activity are provided. The cells are modified by incorporation of the coding sequence for the c-src gene so that the cells express elevated levels of the tyrosine kinase protein, pp60.sup.c-src. The C-src gene is a naturally occurring gene which appears to be present in all animal species and is highly conserved. Because of their enhanced migration rates, the modified cells can be used to efficiently seed denuded segments of vessels or natural or synthetic grafts prior to implantation. Because of their enhanced u-PA activity, the cells can reduce the probability of thrombus formation at sites of vessel damage, such as that produced during such surgical procedures as coronary angioplasty and vessel reconstruction with grafts, stents, or the like.

Genetically engineered endothelial cells exhibiting enhanced migration

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Woodbridge, CT, United States of America

Leonard Bell