Kamada to Conduct Clinical Trial for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Strategic Insights -

Kamada Ltd., an Israeli pharmaceutical company, is set to commence a Phase I/II clinical trial in Israel for its intravenous Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) gene replacement therapy to treat type 1 diabetes. This comes on the heels of the US FDA's approval of the same drug, Glassia, for treating congenital emphysema. The trial is expected to involve at least 20 patients and marks the company's foray into the diabetes treatment space.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kamada will conduct a Phase I/II clinical trial in Israel for its AAT gene replacement therapy to treat type 1 diabetes, with a minimum of 20 patients participating.
  • The FDA approved Glassia, the same drug, for treating congenital emphysema a few months ago.
  • Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas fails to produce insulin, necessitating regular insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Kamada CEO David Tsur expressed optimism about achieving a global breakthrough in treating juvenile diabetes.
  • The company's share price rose 1.5 percent in morning trading, valued at NIS 31, with a market capitalization of NIS 841 million.
  • The trial is significant, as it marks Kamada's entry into the diabetes treatment market.

Statistics:

  • The clinical trial will involve at least 20 patients.
  • The US FDA approved Glassia for treating congenital emphysema a few months ago.
  • The treatment involves an intravenous Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) gene replacement therapy.
  • Diabetes requires regular insulin injections to balance blood sugar levels.
  • Kamada's share price rose 1.5 percent in morning trading, to NIS 31, with a market cap of NIS 841 million.
  • The trial's location, Israel, and the disease being treated, type 1 diabetes, contribute to the significance of this announcement.

Sources:

  • Globes, Tel Aviv, Israel (c) 2011
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services