Fanhdi, efficacy and safety in von Willebrand's disease: prospective international study results

Recently, three multicentre prospective international studies have been carried out to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Fanhdi [high-purity, double-inactivated plasma-derived factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate] in patients with von Willebrand's disease (VWD). Pharmacokinetic parameters, clinical efficacy and safety of Fanhdi in acute bleedings episodes or invasive procedures were determined in this population.

Pharmacokinetic parameters observed were similar to previous reported for other highly purified plasma-derived FVIII/VWF concentrate. The mean in vivo recovery (IU dL(-1) per IU kg(-1)) was 1.9 +/- 0.6 for VWF:RCof; 2.1 +/- 0.6 for VWF:Ag and 2.6 +/- 0.6 for FVIII:C. The mean half-life (h) was 14.4 +/- 10.5 for VWF:RCof; 27.5 +/- 11.0 for VWF:Ag and 33.4 +/- 16.4 for FVIII:C. Therapeutic benefit of Fanhdi in VWD patients treated during bleeding episodes was clearly demonstrated. The achievement of haemostasis was excellent or good in 100% of the cases (major or minor bleeding episodes). Also, the clinical efficacy of Fanhdi in preventing excessive bleeding during surgery showed a very good profile. Efficacy was rated as excellent in six cases (three major/three minor surgical procedures) and good in three cases (two major/one minor surgical procedures). In addition, the product was well tolerated and no adverse events potentially related to the study drug were reported.

Fanhdi is an effective and safe plasma-derived FVIII/VWF concentrate that can be used as an alternative to the current replacement therapy in patients with VWD to provide an adequate haemostasis during surgical procedures and treatment of bleeding episodes.