Hereditary angioedema: New drug being researched

Medicine & Science In the case of the rare genetic disease of hereditary angioedema (HAE), swelling occurs in one or more parts of the body without a recognisable trigger. An HAE attack can be life-threatening especially if the upper respiratory tract is affected. Active substances for on-demand medication are currently only available in the form of injections and transfusions. In a phase 2 study led by the University Hospital Frankfurt and the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and with the cooperation of the Medical University of Vienna, the efficacy of an orally administered substance for acute attacks has now been proven for the first time. The study results were published in the renowned journal "The Lancet". Patients with HAE have a mutation in their genetic make-up. The genetic disease manifests itself mainly during childhood and adolescence and remains symptomatic in most affected individuals throughout their lives.