Experimental Gene Transfer Procedure to Treat Alpha 1-Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency

Individuals with a deficiency of the alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) protein are at risk for developing emphysema and liver damage. Researchers have developed a way to introduce normal AAT genes into muscle cells with the expectation that the AAT protein may be produced at normal levels. This study will evaluate the safety of the experimental gene transfer procedure in individuals with AAT deficiency. The study will also determine what dose may be required to achieve normal levels of AAT.

AAT deficiency is a genetic disorder in which individuals have inadequate levels of the AAT protein. AAT protects the lungs from white blood cell enzymes that can damage air sacs within the lungs, potentially leading to emphysema. Experimental gene transfer procedures, in which normal copies of genes are inserted into cells, are being developed to treat many genetic diseases, including AAT deficiency. In this study, a modified virus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), has been genetically engineered to contain a normal copy of the AAT gene. When AAV is combined with the AAT gene, the resulting agent, Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Alpha 1-Antitrypsin (rAAV1-CB-hAAT) Gene Vector with a chicken beta actin promoter (CB), may be able to carry normal copies of the AAT gene into muscle cells with the expectation that additional AAT would be produced. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of injecting rAAV1-CB-hAAT into individuals with AAT deficiency.

This 14-month study will enroll individuals with AAT deficiency. Participants currently using AAT protein replacement will discontinue its use for 19 weeks during the study. Participants will first attend a baseline study visit, which will include a medical history review; a physical examination; an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record heart activity; blood, urine, and semen collection; pulmonary function tests; and chest and arm scans. Participants will then attend a 5-day inpatient visit, during which they will receive a series of injections consisting of one of four different doses of rAAV1-CB-hAAT. Physical examinations will occur on all 5 inpatient days; pulmonary function testing, arm circumference measurements, and collection of blood, urine, and semen will occur on selected days of the inpatient stay. Follow-up study visits, with possible overnight stays, will occur on Days 14 and 90. On Days 30, 45, 60, 75, 180, 270, and 365, participants will have blood drawn at a local clinic. On these same days, study staff will contact participants by telephone to review their medical history and symptoms. Unused blood and semen samples will be frozen and stored for future research purposes. Participants will have yearly follow-up evaluations by either telephone or mail for a total of 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with AAT deficiency
* Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) greater than 24% of predicted value (post bronchodilator)
* Willing to discontinue AAT protein replacement 4 weeks (Group 1) and 8 weeks (Groups 2 and 3) prior to study entry, and to resume 11 weeks after rAAV1-CB-hAAT has been administered
* Willing to discontinue aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and other drugs that may alter platelet function 7 days prior to study entry, and to resume 24 hours after rAAV1-CB-hAAT has been administered
* Willing to use contraception throughout the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Required antibiotic therapy for a respiratory infection in the 28 days prior to rAAV1-CB-hAAT administration
* Required oral or systemic corticosteroids in the 28 days prior to rAAV1-CB-hAAT administration
* Liver disease
* Currently receiving or has received an investigational study agent in the 30 days prior to study entry
* Received gene transfer agents in the 6 months prior to study entry
* Currently smokes cigarettes or uses illegal drugs
* History of immune response to human AAT replacement
* History of platelet dysfunction
* Abnormal ECG, heart disease, pulmonary edema, or embolism in the 6 months prior to study entry
* Current or recent facial or chest trauma that makes it medically impossible to perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
* Any other medical condition that the investigator deems unsuitable for study participation
* Pregnant or breastfeeding