C-1 Esterase Inhibitor                                                                                                                                            

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50, 000 people.  HAE symptoms include episodes of edema (swelling) in various body parts including the hands, feet, face and airway.

In addition, patients often have bouts of excruciating abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that is caused by swelling in the intestinal wall.  Airway swelling is particularly dangerous and can lead to death by asphyxiation.

HAE patients have a defect in the gene that controls a blood protein called C1 Inhibitor.  The genetic defect results in production of either inadequate or non-functioning C1-Inhibitor protein. Normal C1-Inhibiotr helps to regulate the complex biochemical interactions of blood-based systems involved in disease fighting, inflammatory response and coagulation. Because defective C1-Inhibitor does not adequately perform its regulatory function, a biochemical imbalance can occur and produce unwanted peptides that induce the capillaries to release fluids into the surrounding tissue, thereby causing edema.