Functional characteristics of the novel, human-derived recombinant FVIII protein product, human-cl rhFVIII

Abstract

Introduction: Hemophilia A is routinely treated by administration of exogenous coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). As safety and efficacy of FVIII products have improved over the years, development of FVIII-neutralizing antibodies (FVIII inhibitors) has emerged as the most serious complication. The new human cell line-derived recombinant human FVIII (human-cl rhFVIII) is the first recombinant FVIII product produced in a human cell line without additive animal proteins, with a goal of minimizing the risk of inhibitor development.

Materials and methods: Biochemical analyzes of purity, molecular and functional attributes of the novel human-cl rhFVIII were undertaken for product characterization.

Results and conclusions: Human-cl rhFVIII was shown to be highly pure, with host-cell protein and DNA traces comparable to, or lower than, currently marketed recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) products. Human-cl rhFVIII was shown to have high specific FVIII activity and characteristics similar to full-length rFVIII products. Furthermore, no significant discrepancy between one-stage and chromogenic assay results were observed for human-cl rhFVIII, indicating potency ratios of these assays comparable to the full-length rFVIII products. In functional tests, human-cl rhFVIII exhibited physiological thrombin generation and a normal rate of inactivation by activated protein C. Importantly, human-cl rhFVIII displayed higher binding capacity with von Willebrand factor than comparator products, thus minimizing circulating unbound FVIII and further reducing the potential risk of inhibitor development.