Leader in pulmonary therapy aims to improve understanding and proper diagnosis of genetic lung disease

 

DEERFIELD, Ill., November 16, 2005 – Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced today the launch of a new website—www.beyondcopd.com—to provide people with information regarding alpha 1 -antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. The launch coincides with the observance of World COPD Day, an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) around the world.

 

AAT deficiency is an inherited condition that is characterized by low AAT protein in the blood. This protein protects the lungs from damaging enzymes released by white blood cells. Individuals with AAT deficiency are at risk of developing emphysema. ¹

“The similarities between symptoms associated with AAT deficiency and COPD, including a cough that won't go away and trouble breathing, make it very difficult to properly diagnose the condition,” said Dr. John Butler, pulmonary critical care specialist at St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Ill. “E arly detection is the key to preserving your lungs and getting the best treatment options .”

 

According to the American Lung Association, about 100,000 Americans suffer with AAT deficiency; however, 95 percent of patients are undiagnosed. On average, patients endure a delay of 5.7 years between the onset of symptoms and an accurate diagnosis. A simple blood test can diagnose AAT deficiency. ²

 

“For me, ensuring an accurate diagnosis was as simple as taking a blood test,” says Debbie Elmer. “I would encourage anyone suffering from COPD to pay attention to their symptoms and talk to their doctors about every possible diagnosis.”

 

Debbie was misdiagnosed with COPD more than two years ago after suffering from frequent bouts of bronchitis. Debbie recently learned that she was actually AAT deficient after abnormal breathing test results spurred her doctor to refer Debbie to a pulmonologist. Her diagnosis resulted in immediate augmentation therapy with Baxter's ARALAST ® [Alpha 1 –Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)] .

 

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommend that all patients with COPD or asthma characterized by incompletely reversible airflow obstruction should be tested for AAT deficiency. ³

 

About ARALAST

 

ARALAST [Alpha 1 -Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)] is indicated for chronic augmentation therapy in patients having congenital deficiency of Alpha 1 -Proteinase Inhibitor (A1PI) with clinically evident emphysema. ARALAST is not indicated as therapy for lung disease patients in whom congenital A 1 -PI deficiency has not been established.

 

Important Safety Information

 

ARALAST is contraindicated in individuals with selective IgA deficiencies (IgA level less than 15mg/dL) who have known antibody against IgA, since they may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA, which may be present. The most common symptoms during the clinical study were headache (0.3%) and somnolence (0.3%). Post market adverse event data have indicated reports of infusion site pain associated with the administration of ARALAST. Pregnancy Category C reproduction studies have not been conducted with ARALAST. As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated.

For more information on ARALAST, including full prescribing information, please visit www.aralast.com/safety.html or call 1-866-ARALAST.

 

About Baxter

 

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX). Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. For more information about Baxter, please visit www.baxter.com .

 

 

¹ Aralast: Patients & Families. About AAT Deficiency. Available at http://www.aralast.com/patients_families/AAT/index.html . Accessed October 27, 2005.

 

² American Lung Association. Alpha-1 related emphysema. Available at http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35014#what . Accessed October 4, 2004.

 

³ Adapted from the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement: Standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with AAT deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003; 168:818-900.