Factor VIII Molecule Research Articles

Comparative N-Glycosylation Analysis of the Fc Portions of a Chimeric Human Coagulation Factor VIII and Immunoglobulin G1.

Prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients suffering from hemophilia A are inconvenient due to repeated intravenous infusions owing to the short half-life of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in circulation. Besides (glyco-)pegylation of the FVIII molecule, a bioengineering approach comprises the protein fusion to Fc-immunoglobulin (Ig)G that mediate protection from clearance or degradation via binding to the neonatal Fc receptor. While human-like N-glycosylation of recombinant FVIII is known to be crucial for the clotting factor’s quality and function, the particular glycosylation of the fused Fc portion has not been investigated in detail so far, despite its known impact on Fcγ receptor binding. Here, we analyzed the N-glycosylation of the Fc part of a chimeric FVIII-Fc protein compared to a commercial IgG1 purified from human plasma. Fc parts from both samples were released by enzymatic cleavage and were subsequently separated via sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Corresponding protein bands were referred to PNGase F in-gel digestion in order to release the respective N-glycans. Analysis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry revealed structural differences of both N-glycan patterns. Labeling with 2-aminobenzamide (2AB) and analysis via hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) allowed a quantitative comparison of the respective N-glycosylation. Observed variations in Fc glycosylation of the chimeric FVIII fusion protein and human plasma-derived IgG1, e.g., regarding terminal sialylation, are discussed, focusing on the impact of the clotting factor’s properties, most notably its binding to Fcγ receptors.

Factor Activity Assays for Monitoring Extended Half-Life FVIII and Factor IX Replacement Therapies.

The advent of modified factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) molecules with extended half-lives (EHLs) compared with native FVIII and FIX represents a major advance in the field of hemophilia care, with the potential to reduce the frequency of prophylactic injections and/or to increase the trough level prior to subsequent injections. Monitoring treatment through laboratory assays will be an important part of ensuring patient safety, including any tailoring of prophylaxis. Several approaches have been used to extend half-lives, including PEGylation, and fusion to albumin or immunoglobulin. Some of these modifications affect factor assays as routinely performed in hemophilia centers; so, laboratories will need to use FVIII and FIX assays which have been shown to be suitable on a product-by-product basis. For some products, there are marked differences between results obtained using one-stage or chromogenic assays and results obtained using different reagents in the one-stage assay. The laboratory should use an assay in which the recovery of the product closely aligns with the assay used by the pharmaceutical company to assign potency to the product, so that the units reported by the laboratory agree with those used to demonstrate efficacy of the product during clinical trials. Reported assay differences in relation to several of the EHL FVIII and FIX molecules will be reviewed in this article.

Bioengineering Coagulation Factor VIII through Ancestral Protein Reconstruction

The development of transformative hemophilia A therapeutics has been hindered by the size, instability, immunogenicity and biosynthetic inefficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Through the study of FVIII orthologs from existing vertebrate species, we discovered unique molecular, cellular and biochemical properties that can overcome the limitations of human FVIII. This approach facilitated the development of recombinant porcine FVIII for acquired hemophilia A and has enabled low resolution mapping and bioengineering of functional sequence determinants into human FVIII. To further extend this bioengineering approach, we employed a novel methodology termed ancestral protein reconstruction that provides certain advantages over 'rational design' approaches including a priori confidence that each ancestral FVIII is hemostatically functional. First, a mammalian FVIII phylogenetic tree with corresponding ancestral node (An) sequences was constructed through Bayesian inference using both DNA and amino acid-based models in PAML Version 4.1 (Figure 1). The limited availability of non-mammalian sequences precluded accurate ancestor prediction outside of this class. Initially, we selected 14 An-FVIII sequences for reconstruction and subsequent molecular, cellular, biochemical and immunological characterization. Each An-FVIII displayed activity in coagulation assays utilizing human hemophilia A plasma as a substrate thus demonstrating evolutionary mammalian compatibility. Infusion of highly purified preparations of several An-FVIIIs into hemophilia A mice also corrected the bleeding phenotype following a tail transection bleeding challenge confirming in vivo functionality. To study biosynthetic efficiency, secreted FVIII activity and mRNA transcript levels were analyzed following transfection of An-FVIII plasmids into HEK293 and BHK-M cell lines. An-53, common ancestor to rodents and primates, and An-68, ancestor to a subset of current rodents, displayed the highest FVIII biosynthetic efficiencies that were 12 and 15 fold greater than human FVIII, respectively (P = 0.002; Mann Whitney U test). These two An-FVIII sequences share 95 and 87% amino acid identity to human FVIII, respectively. In contrast, intermediate ancestors between An-53 and human FVIII, designated An-55, -56 and -57, do not display enhanced biosynthetic efficiency suggesting that the functional sequence determinant of high expression was lost during primate evolution. Predicting that high expression ancestral FVIIIs would be enabling to gene therapy approaches, An-53, An-68 and human FVIII cDNAs were placed in an AAV expression cassette under the control of a potent liver-specific promoter and the resulting plasmid DNA was infused hydrodynamically into hemophilia A mice. An-53 and An-68, but not human FVIII vector treated animals, achieved sustained, therapeutic plasma FVIII activity levels over 4 weeks (0.1 - 0.6 IU/ml versus <0.01 IU/ml, respectively). Recombinant An-FVIIIs were expressed, purified and biochemically characterized by SDS-PAGE, specific activity, decay following thrombin activation and inhibitor recognition. Early mammalian and all primate lineage thrombin-activated An-FVIII(a) displayed half-lives between 1.5 - 2.2 min that were not distinguishable from human FVIII. We have shown previously that modern murine, porcine, and ovine FVIIIa display significantly longer half-lives and thus this property may have evolved under positive selection. Supporting this conclusion, An-68 and An-78 display prolonged half-lives of 16 and 7 min, respectively. Lastly, the immune recognition of An-FVIIIs by a panel of A2 and C2 domain targeting inhibitory murine monoclonal antibodies as well as hemophilia A inhibitor patient plasmas was examined and many examples of reduced reactivity were revealed, which may enable the development of less immunogenic FVIII products. Herein, we report molecular discoveries that enhance our understanding of FVIII structure/function and provide a blueprint for bioengineering novel FVIII molecules with enhanced properties. These studies also show 'proof of concept' for ancestral protein reconstruction as a powerful approach to studying the biochemistry, molecular biology and evolution of the vertebrate coagulation system, which should enable identification of other new hematological drug targets and candidate biotherapeutics. [Display omitted] DisclosuresSpencer:Expression Therapeutics: Equity Ownership. Doering:Expression Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bayer Healthcare: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Recombinant FVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN Demonstrates Significant Bioavailability Following Subcutaneous Administration in Hemophilia A Mice

All currently marketed Factor VIII (FVIII) molecules are administered intravenously (IV) for the treatment of hemophilia A (HemA). Conventional FVIII prophylaxis requires a dosing interval of three times per week to every other day. This frequent dosing regimen necessitates repeated venous access and is associated with complications such as secondary infection in children with a venous port/catheter. More recently, extended half-life variants of FVIII have been shown in clinical trials to decrease the dosing interval to twice weekly or less frequent IV dosing, which reduces, but does not eliminate, the burden of treatment. A FVIII molecule with further prolonged half-life and subcutaneous (SQ) delivery potential could significantly relieve the treatment burden for HemA patients and improve the adherence rate to FVIII prophylaxis.Recombinant FVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN has been shown to not bind endogenous VWF, and is able to achieve a 4-fold extension of half-life in hemophilia A mice compared to conventional FVIII, well beyond the approximately 2-fold half-life extension limit demonstrated by other long-acting FVIII variants that bind endogenous VWF. It comprises of two polypeptide chains: 1) a single chain B-domain deleted FVIIIFc-XTEN chain with a XTEN polypeptide inserted at the B-domain region of native FVIII sequence, and 2) a VWF D'D3-XTEN-Fc chain xtend one that n TEN fragemnt o FVIII prophylaxis.ntial rity of the patients depending on the half-life of the FVIII molecule. with a second XTEN polypeptide inserted between D'D3 domain and Fc. The rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN protein was produced in HEK293 cells and affinity purified using VIIISelect resin. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of intravenously (IV) and subcutaneously (SQ) administered rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN were compared to those of rFVIII in HemA mice. The duration of the in vivo efficacy of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN post-SQ delivery was assessed in a HemA mouse tail vein transection (TVT) bleeding model.After intravenous dosing in HemA mice, we observed a linear PK profile for rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN within the therapeutic dose range (25, 50, 100 IU/kg). The half-life of IV-administered rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN was about 37 h, which is more than 4-fold longer than that of rFVIII. In addition, animals that received 25 IU/kg of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN treatment retained 5% of normal FVIII activity at 120 h post-dosing, which suggests the potential for full protection from spontaneous bleeding in this animal model.When delivered subcutaneously, the bioavailability of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN was 20%, a significant increase compared to the bioavailability of rFVIII (less than 1%). Starting at 24 h post-dosing, subcutaneous administration of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN achieved plasma FVIII levels that were equal to or greater than those attained with rFVIII delivered intravenously at the same dose. In addition, greater than 5% of normal circulating FVIII level was observed at 96 h post SQ administration of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN with a 100 IU/kg dose, which provided 80% protection on survival in mice subjected to tail vein transection injury. These results suggest that rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN could enable less frequent FVIII replacement treatment compared to rFVIII even when administered subcutaneously.The VWF independence of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN enables a 4-fold increase in circulating half-life compared to that of rFVIII. Also, the addition of D'D3 domains and the two XTEN insertions dramatically increases subcutaneous bioavailability to 20%, compared to less than 1% with conventional FVIII. These unique properties of rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN make it a potential candidate for both IV and SQ treatments for hemophilia A. DisclosuresDrager:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Patarroyo-White:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chao:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ismail:Biogen: Employment. Liu:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Holthaus:Biogen: Employment. Chhabra:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kulman:Biogen: Employment. Schellenberger:Amunix Operating Inc: Employment. Liu:Biogen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Peters:Biogen: Employment.

Pharmacokinetics of BAX 826, a Polysialylated Full-Length rFVIII, in Hemophilia a Mice, Rats, and Cynomolgus Monkeys

Factor VIII (FVIII) is a critical component of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Plasma-derived or recombinant (r) FVIII concentrates are used in patients with hemophilia A to provide a FVIII level sufficient to treat and prevent bleeding episodes. Prophylactic FVIII levels can only be maintained by administering several infusions per week. Extended FVIII circulation times would reduce the frequency of infusions, increase patient compliance, reduce the number of bleeds, and offer the possibility to achieve higher trough levels of FVIII.Prolonged circulation can be achieved by modifying the FVIII molecule with hydrophilic polymers, for example with polysialic acid (PSA). BAX 826, Baxalta's polysialylated FVIII is based on ADVATE, a full length recombinant FVIII molecule with an established extensive safety and efficacy profile.The aim of the presented studies was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of BAX 826 in hemophilia A mice, wild-type rats, and cynomolgus monkeys. Unmodified rFVIII (ADVATE) was used as the reference compound. Test and reference compounds were administered at the same dose.Hemophilia A mice and Sprague Dawley rats were intravenously injected with BAX 826 at a target dose of 200 IU/kg rFVIII, and blood was sampled pre-dose and 5 min to 48 h after administration. Cynomolgus monkeys received a target dose of 350 IU/kg rFVIII and blood sampled 5 min to 120 h after administration. Citrated plasma was prepared and analyzed for FVIII activity (chromogenic), FVIII antigen (ELISA), and PSA-rFVIII concentration. The primary endpoint was area under the curve from administration time to the last quantifiable time point (AUC0-tlast). Mean residence time (MRT) and systemic clearance (CLs) were also assessed. Unless stated otherwise, results for FVIII activity (mice, monkeys) and FVIII antigen (rats) are presented.In mice, the AUC0-tlast for BAX 826 was 20.6 h*IU/mL, which was 2.4 times larger than for ADVATE (8.71 h*IU/mL); MRT was 10.6 h for BAX 826 and 5.8 h for ADVATE. Clearance was lower for BAX 826 (9.4 vs. 22.3 mL/h/kg).In rats, the AUC0-tlast for BAX 826 was 18.0 h*IU/mL, which was 1.8 times larger than for ADVATE (9.9 h*IU/mL). MRT was 12.5 h for BAX 826 and 4.0 h for ADVATE, and CLs was 5.3 and 28.1 mL/h/kg.In monkeys, the geometric mean of AUC0-tlast was 189.0 h*IU/mL for BAX 826 and 39.6 h*IU/mL for ADVATE. MRT was 23.4 and 10.1 h, and CLs was 2.25 and 6.72 mL/h/kg for BAX 826 and ADVATE, respectively. In monkeys, a baseline FVIII activity level was detected and adequately taken into account in calculating pharmacokinetic parameters. Nevertheless, to better follow the pharmacokinetic profile of BAX 826, the polysialylated rFVIII concentration was also assessed using a PSA specific assay. PSA-FVIII was measured in all animals after administration of BAX 826.In summary, pharmacokinetics studies in three animal species provided evidence that modification of ADVATE with PSA increases circulation time and exposure compared with the unmodified protein. DisclosuresSchiviz:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Hoebarth:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Wolfsegger:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Rossato:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Weber:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Gritsch:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Rottensteiner:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Turecek:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Scheiflinger:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Hoellriegl:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment. Putz:Baxalta Innovations GmbH: Employment.

New products for the treatment of haemophilia.

Current developments in haemophilia therapy are directed at two therapeutic targets: reduction of injection frequency and reduction or bypassing of inhibitors. A variety of new molecules addressing these aims are now completing clinical trials and are ready to enter clinical use. First amongst these are modified Factor VIII (FVIII) and Factor IX (FIX) molecules with extended half-lives. FIX modifications have achieved 5-fold prolongation of half-life whilst effects on FVIII have been more modest, at less than two-fold. We now face the problem of integrating these into clinical practice. Other approaches have generated chemically modified FVIII molecules with altered activation profiles. An alternative way of correcting the haemophilia defect is to reduce the activity of natural anticoagulants in an attempt to restore the balance of haemostasis. These methods are also giving promising results but, as with all new approaches, it will be some while before they all find their place in practice.

Mild hemophilia A patient with novel Pro1809Leu mutation develops an anti‐C2 antibody inhibiting allogeneic but not autologous factor VIII activity

In mild hemophilia A (MHA) patients, the risk of inhibitor development is generally low, but some factor VIII (FVIII) gene missense mutations are associated with a higher inhibitor incidence. To investigate the mechanism(s) of inhibitor development in MHA. A patient, HA78, with MHA with a novel P1809L missense mutation in the A3 domain, exhibited significant residual FVIII activity ( C ~10IUdL(-1) ), despite the development of an inhibitor (5.6BUmL(-1) ). Purified HA78-IgG significantly depressed C from normal plasma but not from patient's plasma without inhibitor, indicating that this IgG inhibited allogeneic but not autologous FVIII. The HA78-IgG blocked thrombin and FXa-catalyzed FVIII cleavage but had little effect on FVIII binding to von Willebrand factor and phospholipid. The IgG recognized a C2 epitope close or overlapping the previously described anti-C2 ESH8 epitope. Similarly, a recombinant FVIII-P1809L mutant was little inactivated by HA78-IgG. This mutant demonstrated ~3-fold lower binding affinities to von Willebrand factor and phospholipid compared with wild-type, while reactions with thrombin or FXa were not impaired. Reaction of FVIII-P1809L with the alternative anti-C2 ESH4 showed only an ~20% inhibition compared with wild-type FVIII but was similar to wild-type after incubation with ESH8. Asurface plasmon resonance-based assay demonstrated that anti-C2 ESH4 bound to FVIII-P1809L with ~10(2) -fold lower affinity compared with ESH8. These results indicated that the P1809L mutation in A3 induced the conformational change in the FVIII molecule that hampered antigenic determinant(s) located in the C2 domain and might result in the inhibitor development.

Factor VIII Interacts with the Endocytic Receptor Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein 1 via an Extended Surface Comprising “Hot-Spot” Lysine Residues

Lysine residues are implicated in driving the ligand binding to the LDL receptor family. However, it has remained unclear how specificity is regulated. Using coagulation factor VIII as a model ligand, we now study the contribution of individual lysine residues in the interaction with the largest member of the LDL receptor family, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1). Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and SPR interaction analysis on a library of lysine replacement variants as two independent approaches, we demonstrate that the interaction between factor VIII (FVIII) and LRP1 occurs over an extended surface containing multiple lysine residues. None of the individual lysine residues account completely for LRP1 binding, suggesting an additive binding model. Together with structural docking studies, our data suggest that FVIII interacts with LRP1 via an extended surface of multiple lysine residues that starts at the bottom of the C1 domain and winds around the FVIII molecule.

Reduced Polyethylene Glycol-Conjugated B-Domain–Deleted Factor VIII (PEG-BDD-FVIII) Clearance: Selective Peg Steric Modulation without Affecting Potency

Prophylactic factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy in hemophilia A requires intravenous administration up to every other day due to the short half-life of FVIII in plasma. Plasma half-life extension of FVIII by polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation is thought to be mediated by decreasing hepatic clearance of FVIII. BAY 94-9027 is a rationally designed B-domain–deleted (BDD) FVIII molecule, in which a single 60-kDa PEG molecule was attached to a specific amino acid (1804) to increase its circulating half-life and reduce the exposure to epitopes reported to cause immunogenicity in the A3 domain while preserving full biological function. BAY 94-9027 is currently in clinical trials and has prolonged half-life and improved efficacy in animal models and humans.As a first step in determining whether the half-life extension with BAY 94-9027 is related to steric hindrance exerted by PEG, we investigated whether PEG impacts BAY 94-9027 binding interactions. Direct binding of HKB11-derived FVIII, BAY 94-9027 or BDD-FVIII, was assessed by measuring the ability of a panel of immobilized monoclonal antibodies directed toward different FVIII domains to capture FVIII. Interactions with more physiologic partners were indirectly assessed by thrombin generation assay (TGA) and by an in vitro hepatocyte clearance assay. TGA monitored FVIII-dependent thrombin generation, while the hepatocyte clearance assay assessed the ability of primary human hepatocytes to remove FVIII from the incubation medium.Our results indicate that the presence of the A3-directed PEG reduced BAY 94-9027 capture by immobilized antibodies directed toward the FVIII regions at or near the site of conjugation. Capture by antibodies directed toward the A3 and C2 domains were most impacted, while those directed toward A1 and A2 still bound BAY 94-9027. The A3-specific C7F7 antibody showed ~50% lower capture of BAY 94-9027 vs BDD-FVIII at 20 ng/mL of FVIII. C7F7 capture of PEG-BDD-FVIII was further reduced when a di-PEG conjugate of BDD-FVIII was subjected to the same assay, again confirming that PEG sterically modulates PEG-BDD-FVIII reactivity to the antibody. To determine whether the steric effects observed with PEG may impact FVIII function globally, TGA was performed with BAY 94-9027 spiked into FVIII-deficient plasma and subjected to 1 pM tissue factor initiation. By TGA, both BDD-FVIII and BAY 94-9027 generated comparable peak thrombin levels, with EC50 values of 3.9 and 3.2 nM for BDD-FVIII and BAY 94-9027, respectively. As thrombin generation is a consequence of activated FVIII amplification of factor X activation by activated factor IX, these results indicate that the PEG did not disrupt activated PEG-BDD-FVIII interactions with its partners in the factor Xase enzyme complex, consistent with published PEG-BDD-FVIII efficacy. By hepatocyte clearance assay, PEG-BDD-FVIII clearance was reduced ~30-40% compared with BDD-FVIII, regardless of whether von Willebrand factor was present. This reduction in hepatocyte clearance is likely to contribute to the prolonged plasma half-life reported for BAY 94-9027 (Mei B, et al. Blood. 2010;116(2):270-279; Coyle TE, et al. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2014;12(4):488-496). DisclosuresBlasko:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Leong:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Sim:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Tang:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Ho:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Wu:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Kauser:Bayer Healthcare: Employment. Subramanyam:Bayer Healthcare: Employment.

Recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein: extended‐interval dosing maintains low bleeding rates and correlates with von Willebrand factor levels

Routine prophylaxis with replacement factor VIII (FVIII) - the standard of care for severe hemophilia A - often requires frequent intravenous infusions (three or four times weekly). An FVIII molecule with an extended half-life could reduce infusion frequency. The A-LONG study established the safety, efficacy and prolonged pharmacokinetics of recombinant FVIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) in previously treated adolescents and adults with severe hemophilia A. In this post hoc analysis, we investigated the relationship between subjects' prestudy (FVIII) and on-study (rFVIIIFc) regimens. We analyzed two subgroups of subjects: prior prophylaxis and on-study individualized prophylaxis (n = 80), and prior episodic treatment and on-study weekly prophylaxis (n = 16). Subjects' prestudy dosing regimens and bleeding rates were compared with their final rFVIIIFc regimens and annualized bleeding rates (ABRs) in the last 3 months on-study. Dosing regimen simulations based on population pharmacokinetics models for rFVIII and rFVIIIFc were performed. As compared with their prestudy regimen, 79 of 80 (98.8%) subjects on individualized rFVIIIFc prophylaxis decreased their infusion frequency. Overall ABRs were low, with comparable factor consumption. Longer dosing intervals, including 5-day dosing, were associated with higher baseline von Willebrand factor antigen levels. Simulated dosing regimens predicted a greater proportion of subjects with steady-state FVIII activity trough levels of ≥ 1 IU dL(-1) (1%) with rFVIIIFc than with equivalent rFVIII regimens. These results suggest that patients on rFVIIIFc prophylaxis can reduce their infusion frequency as compared with their prior FVIII regimen while maintaining low bleeding rates, affording more patients trough levels of ≥ 1 IU dL(-1) than with rFVIII products requiring more frequent dosing regimens.

Identification Of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 As Novel Binding Partners For Factor VIII

During biosynthesis, Factor VIII (FVIII) undergoes complex post-translational modification including significant glycosylation. Consequently each FVIII molecule can contains 25 N- and 6 O-linked glycans. These carbohydrate structures are of physiological significance. For example, FVIII glycan expression modulates intracellular trafficking and also regulates FVIII clearance by dendritic cells. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms through which glycan structures influence FVIII biology remains poorly defined. Interestingly, carbohydrate-binding galectins (Gal) -1 and -3 have recently been reported to bind human VWF. Moreover, these galectin interactions significantly influence VWF function. In this study, based upon similar glycans expression profiles, we hypothesised that galectins might also constitute novel binding partners for human FVIII.In brief, His-tagged Gal-1 and Gal-3 were expressed in E-coli and purified using nickel chromatography. Recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) was purified from different commercial concentrates. Subsequently, FVIII glycosylation was modified using specific exoglycosidases and quantified by lectin-binding ELISA. Galectin-FVIII interaction was characterised using modified immunosorbant assays and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).In plate–binding assays using purified proteins and SPR studies, both Gal-1 and Gal-3 bound to full length rFVIII in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Interestingly the apparent affinities of the galectin-FVIII interactions (Kd of 0.11 ± 0.02nM for Gal-1 and 0.21 ± 0.1nM for Gal-3 respectively) were unusually high for these lectins. Digestion with PNGase F to remove N-linked glycans ablated FVIII binding to Gal-1 (8.6 ± 1%; p<0.0001). In contrast, PNG-FVIII retained significant ability to bind Gal-3 (30.3 ± 3%; p<0.0001). However, combined FVIII digestion with both PNGase F and O glycosidase further attenuated Gal-3 binding (16.5 ± 2%; p<0.05). Cumulatively these findings suggest that whilst Gal-1 binding is mediated predominantly through the N-linked glycans of FVIII, both N- and O-linked glycans modulate its interaction with Gal-3.The majority of FVIII glycans are contained within the B domain. Unsurprisingly, Gal-1 and Gal-3 binding were both markedly attenuated for B domain deleted rFVIII compared to full length rFVIII (42 ± 1% and 26 ± 0.8%; p<0.0001). Previous studies have described different glycosylation profiles for specific full length commercial rFVIII products. To investigate the relevance of this differential glycosylation, we compared the galectin-binding properties of Advate® (CHO cell line) and Helixate® (BHK cell line). Interestingly, Gal-1 and Gal-3 both displayed significantly enhanced affinity for Helixate (107 ± 2% and 124 ± 1%; p<0.05). These findings are consistent with the fact that the N-linked glycans of BHK-derived FVIII express galactose α1-3 galactose epitopes which constitute preferential galectin-binding ligands.To determine whether FVIII interacts with galectins in vivo, immunoprecipitation studies were performed using plasma from VWF-/- mice. We observed that that both Gal-1 and Gal-3 were co-precipitated with FVIII even in the absence of VWF. Consequently, both the VWF-FVIII complex and free FVIII in plasma are likely to circulate in a complex with galectins. Importantly, recent studies have reported a prothrombotic phenotype in Gal-1/Gal-3 double deficient mice compared to wild type controls following ferric chloride injury. To investigate whether galectin-binding influences FVIII function, FVIII activity was assessed using a one-stage clotting assay in the presence of increasing galectin concentrations. Interestingly, preincubation of FVIII with Gal-1 (0.5-17µM) resulted in a significant dose-dependent prolongation of the APTT (58 ± 0.2 sec compared to 26 ± 3 secs, p<0.001) In contrast, no such effect was observed for galectin-3 up to 20µM, suggesting these galectins may have differential effects on FVIII biology.In conclusion, we identify Gal-1 and Gal-3 as novel direct ligands for human FVIII. Both the N- and O-linked carbohydrates of FVIII contribute to galectin binding. Importantly, different commercial FVIII concentrates do not interact with galectins in the same manner. Finally, we also demonstrate that plasma FVIII can circulate in complex with both Gal-1 and Gal-3, and that Gal-1 binding can inhibit the procoagulant function of FVIII. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Rituximab for the treatment of high titre inhibitors in mild haemophilia A.

Rituximab for the treatment of high titre inhibitors in mild haemophilia A.

A bispecific antibody to factors IXa and X restores factor VIII hemostatic activity in a hemophilia A model

Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder resulting from coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. Exogenously provided FVIII effectively reduces bleeding complications in patients with severe hemophilia A. In approximately 30% of such patients, however, the 'foreignness' of the FVIII molecule causes them to develop inhibitory antibodies against FVIII (inhibitors), precluding FVIII treatment in this set of patients. Moreover, the poor pharmacokinetics of FVIII, attributed to low subcutaneous bioavailability and a short half-life of 0.5 d, necessitates frequent intravenous injections. To overcome these drawbacks, we generated a humanized bispecific antibody to factor IXa (FIXa) and factor X (FX), termed hBS23, that places these two factors into spatially appropriate positions and mimics the cofactor function of FVIII. hBS23 exerted coagulation activity in FVIII-deficient plasma, even in the presence of inhibitors, and showed in vivo hemostatic activity in a nonhuman primate model of acquired hemophilia A. Notably, hBS23 had high subcutaneous bioavailability and a 2-week half-life and would not be expected to elicit the development of FVIII-specific inhibitory antibodies, as its molecular structure, and hence antigenicity, differs from that of FVIII. A long-acting, subcutaneously injectable agent that is unaffected by the presence of inhibitors could markedly reduce the burden of care for the treatment of hemophilia A.

F8 haplotype and inhibitor risk: results from the Hemophilia Inhibitor Genetics Study (HIGS) Combined Cohort.

Ancestral background, specifically African descent, confers higher risk for development of inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) in haemophilia A. It has been suggested that differences in the distribution of FVIII gene (F8) haplotypes, and mismatch between endogenous F8 haplotypes and those comprising products used for treatment could contribute to risk. Data from the Hemophilia Inhibitor Genetics Study (HIGS) Combined Cohort were used to determine the association between F8 haplotype 3 (H3) vs. haplotypes 1 and 2 (H1 + H2) and inhibitor risk among individuals of genetically determined African descent. Other variables known to affect inhibitor risk including type of F8 mutation and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) were included in the analysis. A second research question regarding risk related to mismatch in endogenous F8 haplotype and recombinant FVIII products used for treatment was addressed. Haplotype 3 was associated with higher inhibitor risk among those genetically identified (N = 49) as of African ancestry, but the association did not remain significant after adjustment for F8 mutation type and the HLA variables. Among subjects of all racial ancestries enrolled in HIGS who reported early use of recombinant products (N = 223), mismatch in endogenous haplotype and the FVIII proteins constituting the products used did not confer greater risk for inhibitor development. Haplotype 3 was not an independent predictor of inhibitor risk. Furthermore, our findings did not support a higher risk of inhibitors in the presence of a haplotype mismatch between the FVIII molecule infused and that of the individual.

PEGylated therapeutic proteins for haemophilia treatment: a review for haemophilia caregivers

PEGylation is the technology involving the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a protein-, peptide- or small-molecule drug to improve their pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunological profiles, and thus, enhance the therapeutic effect. Today, PEGylation of proteins is a well-established technology and is being used in the treatment of a variety of clinical disorders. Several PEGylated coagulation proteins for haemophilia A and B are under development with the goal of prolonging the circulation half-life of factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX. The prolongation of half-life, resulting in less frequent injections can provide significant benefits in improving the quality of life of subjects with haemophilia and improvement in adherence to treatment. A review of published literature on PEGylated therapeutic products currently approved for human use and a discussion of a PEGylated recombinant FVIII molecule (BAY 94-9027, Bayer HealthCare, Berkeley, CA, USA) currently being investigated in the pivotal clinical trial prior to registration is provided. Available safety information of PEGylated proteins containing high molecular weight PEG does not indicate any safety concerns to date, following long-term (chronic) use in animal models or patients. Chronic use of currently available PEGylated products has been shown to be safe, paving the way for chronic use of PEGylated coagulation products in persons with haemophilia.

Activation of a cryptic splice site in a potentially lethal coagulation defect accounts for a functional protein variant

Changes at the invariable donor splice site +1 guanine, relatively frequent in human genetic disease, are predicted to abrogate correct splicing, and thus are classified as null mutations. However, their ability to direct residual expression, which might have pathophysiological implications in several diseases, has been poorly investigated. As a model to address this issue, we studied the IVS6+1G>T mutation found in patients with severe deficiency of the protease triggering coagulation, factor VII (FVII), whose absence is considered lethal. In expression studies, the IVS6+1G>T induced exon 6 skipping and frame-shift, and prevented synthesis of correct FVII transcripts detectable by radioactive/fluorescent labelling or real-time RT-PCR. Intriguingly, the mutation induced the activation of a cryptic donor splice site in exon 6 and production of an in-frame 30bp deleted transcript (8±2%). Expression of this cDNA variant, lacking 10 residues in the activation domain, resulted in secretion of trace amounts (0.2±0.04%) of protein with appreciable specific activity (48±16% of wt-FVII). Altogether these data indicate that the IVS6+1G>T mutation is compatible with the synthesis of functional FVII molecules (~0.01% of normal, 1pM), which could trigger coagulation. The low but detectable thrombin generation (352±55nM) measured in plasma from an IVS6+1G>T homozygote was consistent with a minimal initiation of the enzymatic cascade. In conclusion, we provide experimental clues for traces of FVII expression, which might have reverted an otherwise perinatally lethal genetic condition.

The Relevance of Factor VIII (FVIII) Pharmacokinetics to TDM and Hemophilia A Treatment: Is B Domain–Deleted FVIII Equivalent to Full-Length FVIII?

Recombinant DNA-derived clotting factor VIII concentrates (rFVIII) potentially have safety advantages over plasma-derived products. Removal of the B domain of the FVIII molecule does not seem to reduce the procoagulant activity and improve the efficiency of the manufacturer. However, when used, clinically possible differences in hemostatic efficacy between the full-length (FL) and B domain-deleted (BDD) molecules have emerged. This article predicts the impact that differences in the pharmacokinetic behavior between BDD- and FL-rFVIII may have on bleed prophylaxis in hemophilia A. Published data on the pharmacokinetic and biological effects of FL- and BDD-rFVIII were examined and used well-established proven pharmacokinetic modeling applied to therapeutic target plasma concentrations of FL- and BDD- rFVIII. Biochemical differences between the 2 molecules in standard laboratory assays can be shown and in vivo BDD-rFVIII appears to show a shorter half-life possibly because of greater susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Theoretical modeling demonstrates that if patients switch between FL-rFVIII to BDD-rFVIII, it could result in very different concentrations of active clotting factor. As demonstrated, around 40% of patients if switched from FL-rFVIII to BDD-rFVIII would have lower concentrations of FVIII in the blood. It is essential that clinicians are aware of this possibility and that there is sufficient and appropriate follow-up of patients with hemophilia A who are switching the type of factor concentrate used in their treatment.

Increased prevalence of inhibitors in Hispanic patients with severe haemophilia A enrolled in the Universal Data Collection database

Neutralizing inhibitors develop in 20-30% of patients with severe factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. It is well established that Blacks have a higher prevalence of inhibitors than Whites. This is the first study to definitively demonstrate increased inhibitor prevalence in the Hispanic population. We compared inhibitor prevalence among various racial and ethnic groups in a cross-sectional analysis of 5651 males with severe haemophilia A that participated in the Universal Data Collection project sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We used logistic regression analysis to control for potential confounding variables. We assigned as Hispanic those participants who were white and labelled themselves Hispanic. The prevalence of high-titre inhibitors in the Hispanic participants was 24.5% compared to 16.4% for White non-Hispanic patients (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7). Possibilities as to the underlying cause of increased inhibitor prevalence in minority ethnic populations include polymorphisms in the FVIII molecule, HLA subtypes and differing inflammatory responses. A better understanding may lead to tailored treatment programmes, or other therapies, to decrease or prevent inhibitor development.

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of von Willebrand factor contained in a very high‐purity plasma‐derived FVIII concentrate

We studied the structural and functional properties of von Willebrand factor (VWF) molecules present in a very high-purity plasma-derived factor VIII concentrate (VHP pdFVIII - Factane® ) because several observations suggest that the presence of VWF in factor VIII (FVIII) preparations may decrease their immunogenicity. Ten marketed batches of VHP pdFVIII (Factane® ) with levels of VWF ranging from 15 to 39 IU/100 IU FVIII were analysed. The VWF multimeric pattern was studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. The binding of VWF to FVIII was studied by gel filtration and ELISA. The binding of VWF to GPIb was analysed by ELISA. The results showed that high-molecular-weight multimers of VWF were present in VHP pdFVIII (Factane® ). VWF subunits maintain a triplet structure similar to that of normal plasma. Regardless of the VWF content, all FVIII molecules of each batch were co-eluted with VWF, and no free FVIII was detectable. By immunoassays, VWF was found to be able to bind to FVIII and platelet GPIb in a similar manner to that of VWF in normal plasma. In all the VHP pdFVIII (Factane® ) batches studied, regardless of the level of VWF, the structure and capacity of VWF binding to FVIII and to platelet GPIb were fully preserved.

Modification of An Interactive Surface in the C1 Domain Reduces Immune Responses to FVIII in a Mouse Model of Hemophilia A

Abstract 199▪FN2▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstractThe X-chromosome-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia A is caused by the absence or dysfunction of blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) which can be corrected by regular intravenous administration of FVIII. Development of antibodies directed against FVIII (referred to as FVIII inhibitors) is common complication in hemophilia care. The formation of FVIII-neutralizing antibodies in hemophilia A patients is initiated by the endocytosis of FVIII by professional antigen-presenting cells. Endocytosis of FVIII by human monocyte-derived dendritic cells can be significantly blocked by monoclonal antibody KM33, directed towards the C1 domain of FVIII. We have previously shown that C1 domain residues 2092 and 2093 are required for KM33 binding to FVIII (Meems et al., 2009). However, replacement of both these residues by Ala did not completely abolish KM33 binding. We created an additional C1 domain variant which included an arginine at position 2090. A FVIII variant in which three residues, 2090, 2092 and 2093 were substituted by alanine, showed only minimal binding to KM33. Functional analysis revealed that this variant designated FVIII-2090/2092/2093 retains pro-coagulant activity as measured by a chromogenic assay. FVIII-2090/2092/2093 displayed a strongly reduced internalization by human monocyte-derived dendritic cells and macrophages, as well as murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. These results emphasize a role for C1 domain residues 2090, 2092 and 2093 in FVIII endocytosis by antigen-presenting cells. We subsequently investigated the in vivo ability of this variant to induce inhibitors in FVIII−/− mice (E17KO). We show that E17KO mice treated with the FVIII variant have significantly lower anti-FVIII antibody titers when compared to mice treated with wild type FVIII. In accordance with these findings reduced numbers of FVIII-specific antibody-secreting cells were detected in the spleen of mice treated with FVIII-2090/2092/2093. Also, FVIII-specific CD4+ T cell responses of splenocytes derived from FVIII-2090/2092/2093 infused mice were greatly reduced when compared to that of splenocytes derived from wild type FVIII infused mice. These findings show that alanine substitutions at positions 2090, 2092 and 2093 result in a FVIII molecule that is significantly less immunogenic when compared to wild type FVIII. Collectively, our data suggest that FVIII variants displaying a reduced uptake by antigen-presenting cells show a reduced immunogenicity in vivo. Based on our findings we hypothesize that FVIII variants displaying a reduced uptake by antigen-presenting cells provide a novel therapeutic approach to reduce inhibitor development in patients with hemophilia A. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.