News Release

European-wide study confirms benefits of D-penicillamine and trientine for Wilson disease

Patients may have a better chance of living transplant free

Peer-Reviewed Publication

European Association for the Study of the Liver

Results from the first ever European-wide retrospective analysis presented today at the International Liver CongressTM have shown both D-penicillamine and trientine continue to be effective treatments, providing positive survival rates in patients with Wilson disease free from a liver transplant.

Wilson disease is a rare genetic storage disorder in which copper is not excreted by the body effectively, leading to excess copper build up, liver failure and damage to the brain (neurological problems). Worldwide the condition, affects approximately one in 30,000 people. If not treated, Wilson disease can be chronically debilitating and life threatening. While current guidelines recommend the use of chelating agents (D-penicillamine, trientine) as first line therapy of symptomatic patients, optimal treatment regimens are yet to be established.

In this retrospective multicentre cohort study the long-term outcomes of treatment with D-penicillamine and trientine were reviewed in 347 patients with the condition. Changes of medication were common in both groups and resulted in a total of 467 analysed treatments (D-penicillamine, n=326, trientine n=141). Following an average follow-up of 16.5 years, both treatments provided a similar and excellent survival rate and prevented disease progression with the need for liver transplantation in over 98% of patients.

Daniele Prati, EASL's Scientific Committee Member and Press Committee Chairman commented: "Not only does this study show that both treatments are effective options for patients with this rare and often debilitating condition, but it is also encouraging to see how European countries can work together and exchange data which is extremely valuable to guide best practice and evaluate existing treatment regimens. Research on rare liver diseases presents remarkable interest."

"To date, a very limited number of drugs for these conditions are marketed, leaving the majority of rare diseases without any effective treatment. Research into rare diseases and possible cures needs to be strongly encouraged."

Follow-up at 48 months showed that liver deterioration occurred in only 8 out of 515 treatments (D-penicillamine n=4, trientine n=4) while neurological deterioration was less frequent in the D-penicillamine group (7/326 treatments) compared to trientine (12/141, p≤=0.05). Improvements in liver function of symptomatic patients was similar between groups when data were stratified between first and second line treatments, with improvement rates during first line therapy in symptomatic patients of 90.7% for D-penicillamine and 92.6% for trientine.

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Notes to Editors

About EASL

EASL is the leading European scientific society involved in promoting research and education in hepatology. EASL attracts the foremost hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy.

EASL's main focus on education and research is delivered through numerous events and initiatives, including:

  • The International Liver CongressTM which is the main scientific and professional event in hepatology worldwide
  • Meetings including Monothematic and Special conferences, Post Graduate courses and other endorsed meetings that take place throughout the year
  • Clinical and Basic Schools of Hepatology, a series of events covering different aspects in the field of hepatology
  • Journal of Hepatology published monthly
  • Participation in a number of policy initiatives at European level

About The International Liver CongressTM 2011

The International Liver Congress™ 2011, the 46th annual meeting of the European Association for the study of the Liver, is being held at the Internationales Congress Centrum, Berlin, Germany from March 30 – April 3, 2011. The congress annually attracts over 7,500 clinicians and scientists from around the world and provides an opportunity to hear the latest research, perspectives and treatments of liver disease from principal experts in the field.

References

1. Weiss H.K et al, Efficacy and Safety of D-penicillamine and Trientine for the Treatment of Wilson Disease. Presented at the International Liver CongressTM 2011

2. Wilson's disease for patients and families, EuroWilson http://eurowilson.org/en/living/guide/what/index.phtml. Accessed March 2011.

Wilson Disease Association. http://www.wilsondisease.org/about-wilsondisease.php. Accessed March 2011


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