Autoimmune Disease clinical trials at UCLA

Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) is a rare disorder in which a material called surfactant builds up in the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. In addition to shortness of breath, people with aPAP can experience persistent cough, overwhelming fatigue, unintentional changes in weight, chest or back pain, suddenly feeling out of shape, and general discomfort. Currently, there are no approved medications for aPAP in the United States, but the symptoms of aPAP can be treated with whole lung lavage (WLL). WLL is an invasive procedure that temporarily removes surfactant, and it can result in serious consequences like trauma to the lung, a collapsed lung, and prolonged requirement for artificial ventilation. Savara is studying an investigational drug called molgramostim nebulizer solution to see if it activates the cells that help clear surfactant from the lungs, which improves oxygen transfer from the lungs to the bloodstream. Molgramostim nebulizer solution is administered by inhalation using a hand-held nebulizer. In clinical trials, molgramostim nebulizer solution has shown improvements in gas exchange and patient reported outcomes. This expanded access program will make molgramostim nebulizer solution available to adult patients with diagnosed aPAP. Access must be obtained through the treating physician. Patients will dose molgramostim nebulizer solution 300 micrograms (mcg) once daily and be followed by their physician every 3 months to assess their clinical status and report any adverse events.

160 subjects with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) will be randomized to receive once daily treatment with inhaled molgramostim or placebo for 48 weeks. Subjects completing the 48 week placebo-controlled period will receive open-label treatment with once daily inhaled molgramostim for 96 weeks.