Inhibition of tissue factor pathway inhibitor by the aptamer BAX499 improves clotting of hemophilic blood and plasma.

Background: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the major inhibitor of tissue factor-initiated coagulation, making it an interesting and novel therapeutic target in hemophilia treatment. The aptamer BAX499 (formerly ARC19499) is designed to improve hemostasis by specifically inhibiting TFPI.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the concentration-dependent augmentation of clotting by BAX499.
Methods: Whole blood clot formation was quantified by rotational thromboelastometry and thromboelastography, and thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma was assessed with the calibrated automated thrombogram, in samples from patients with congenital hemophilia A (N=55) and B (N=11), patients with acquired hemophilia A (N=1), and healthy controls (N=37).
Results: BAX499 significantly improved clotting of samples from hemophilic patients in a concentration-dependent manner, resulting in clotting profiles in samples from patients with severe hemophilia that were similar to those of healthy controls.
Conclusion: BAX499 improved ex vivo clotting parameters in blood and plasma from patients with hemophilia A and B with different severity of disease, and also in a patient with acquired hemophilia. These results further support the contention that anti TFPI strategies may be an effective treatment for hemophilic patients.
(© 2012 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.)