Clinical trial attitudes among individuals with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Purpose

This study examined characteristics of clinical trials that influence interest in participation among individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Procedures

A cross-sectional survey was completed by individuals with AATD. Thirty-four items described characteristics of clinical trials, which were rated from 1 (would not participate) to 5 (highly interested in participating). Logistic regression was used to compare participants with high interest in trials (defined as scores of 4 or 5 on ≥50 % of responses) to all remaining participants.

Results

Data were provided by 1664 participants (91.6 % with lung disease, 16.3 % with liver disease, 14.9 % with lung and liver disease). Nearly one-third (31.8 %) indicated that they would not participate in a trial if there was a chance of getting a placebo. If the trial included three liver biopsies, 53.3 % would not participate. More than two-thirds (69.8 %) of participants who were using augmentation therapy would not participate in a trial that required twelve months off therapy. Individuals with two or more exacerbations in the prior year were more likely to have high interest in trials (OR = 1.4, 95 % CI = 1.1–1.7, p = 0.009). In addition, individuals with a score of 10 or higher on the COPD Assessment Test were more likely to have high interest (OR = 1.4, 95 % CI = 1.1–1.8, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

A sizeable percentage of participants indicated that they would not participate in clinical trials that include a placebo, involve multiple liver biopsies, or involve discontinuing augmentation therapy. Individuals who are more affected by AATD have more interest in trial participation than individuals who are less affected.