Recombinant fusion protein linking factor VIIa with albumin (rVIIa-FP): Tissue distribution in rats

A novel fusion protein linking coagulation factor VIIa with albumin (rVIIa-FP) is currently undergoing clinical investigations.

This study was conducted to examine the biodistribution of rVIIa-FP in comparison to recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa).

[(3)H]-rVIIa-FP (10mgkg(-1)) or [(3)H]-rFVIIa (1.6mgkg(-1)) were administered intravenously to rats, followed by quantitative whole-body and knee joint autoradiography for 24 ([(3)H]-rFVIIa) or 240 ([(3)H]-rVIIa-FP) hours post-dose. Pharmacokinetic and excretion balance analyses were performed.

In contrast to [(3)H]-albumin, the tissue distributions of [(3)H]-rVIIa-FP and [(3)H]-rFVIIa were similar. Within the knee, both were rapidly present within synovial and mineralized regions. Importantly, rVIIa-FP- and albumin-derived radioactivity were detectable up to 72-120hours, whereas [(3)H]-rFVIIa signals were already close to detection limits at 24hours. The longest rVIIa-FP retention times were observed in bone marrow and endosteum, in which the retention times were up to 5 times longer for rVIIa-FP compared with rFVIIa. Up to 8hours post-dose, 100% of radioactivity was assigned to unchanged [(3)H]-rVIIa-FP. Elimination of both proteins occurred primarily via the urine.

The data suggest that the FVIIa moiety is directing rVIIa-FP's tissue distribution while the albumin moiety is responsible for the prolonged tissue retention. Importantly, rVIIa-FP is highly concentrated and retained over a long period in the growth plate of the knee joint-a vulnerable site in haemophilia patients. Overall, these improved tissue distribution characteristics of rVIIa-FP may enhance compliance and allow a more convenient dosing frequency.