Icatibant as acute treatment for hereditary angioedema in adults.
BACKGROUND
Hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is a rare disease, characterized by recurrent, unpredictable episodes of cutaneous and/or mucosal edema. Bradykinin, released by the activation of the contact system, binds to bradykinin B2 receptors on the endothelial cell surface to enhance vascular permeaility, which leads to angioedema.


METHODS
C1-INH-HAE therapy is aimed at the inhibition of bradykinin release, as well as at the blockage of its effects mediated by its receptor. Three controlled trials, three open-label extensions, and two open-label studies, and a prospective, observational study have confirmed the safety and efficacy of the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, icatibant administered as acute treatment for HAE attacks in adult patients with C1-INH-HAE. Expert commentary: The ready-to-use, pre-filled syringes of icatibant can be self-administered easily, effectively, safely and, importantly, conviently. - This has resulted in patients being able to quickly treat an attack and realize a dramatic change for the better in their lives.
a Hungarian Angioedema Center, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine , Semmelweis University , Budapest , Hungary.
Henriette
H
Farkas
D000328:Adult; D054179:Angioedemas, Hereditary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D001920:Bradykinin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065094:Bradykinin B2 Receptor Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D043782:Receptor, Bradykinin B2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D012646:Self Administration
D065094:Bradykinin B2 Receptor Antagonists; D043782:Receptor, Bradykinin B2; C065679:icatibant; D001920:Bradykinin
C1-inhibitor deficiency; Hereditary angioedema; acute treatment; bradykinin; bradykinin B2 receptor; icatibant; orphan drug; self-administration; subcutaneous pre-filled injection