Are there differences between the available treatments for pulmonary emphysema due to Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?

An editorial has recently been published in the Archives of Bronchopneumology that analyzes the differences between the approved treatments for the treatment of pulmonary emphysema due to Alpha-1 deficiency.

Esquinas C, Miravitlles M. Arch Bronconeumol. 2018;54:451-452.

This publication reflects the differences between the approved treatments for pulmonary emphysema due to Alpha-1 atitrypsin deficiency in Spain, Prolastina® (Grifols Deutchsland GmbH, Germany) and Respreeza® (CSL Behring GmbH, Germany).

The approval of both drugs is based on the demonstrated biochemical efficacy for maintains the plasma and pulmonary interstitial levels of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, to prevent lung destruction and slow the progression of pulmonary emphysema.

The main differences are found in the diluted volume difference for each 1 gr vial (40 ml for Prolastin® and 20 ml for Respreeza®), the degree of biochemical purity and specific activity, without any correlation between purity, tolerability and clinical efficacy.

Although both preparations have similar characteristics, since they are blood products, they should not be substituted during treatment (without the prescription of the responsible doctor), because traceability would be lost in the event of adverse effects or the appearance of communicable diseases.

Centro Andaluz Alfa-1