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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
FVIII/VWF complex displays a greater pro-haemostatic activity than FVIII preparations devoid of VWF: Study in plasma
Concetta T Ammollo1, Fabrizio Semeraro1, Antonia Vitulli1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Introduction:
Plasma-derived FVIII/VWF complex was reported to be less sensitive to inhibitors than FVIII preparations devoid of VWF.
Aim:
To compare the efficacy of FVIII/VWF complex (Fanhdi) and five different VWF-free FVIII preparations in restoring thrombin generation and activation of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in haemophilic plasma, with and without inhibitor, and in cell-based models.
Methods:
Experiments were performed in haemophilic plasma supplemented with inhibitory IgG or in plasma samples obtained from haemophilia A patients without (n = 11) and with inhibitor (n = 12). Thrombin generation was evaluated by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) under standard conditions, in the presence of activated protein C (APC) or thrombomodulin (TM), and in cell-based models including endothelial cells, either alone or in combination with platelets or tissue factor-expressing blood mononuclear cells. The kinetics of TAFI activation was determined by a two-stage functional assay in the absence and in the presence of APC.
Results:
In haemophilic plasma without inhibitor, Fanhdi enhanced thrombin generation and TAFI activation as well as recombinant (2nd-4th generation) and plasma-derived FVIII preparations devoid of VWF. On the contrary, in plasma with inhibitor, Fanhdi displayed a greater ability to restore thrombin generation and TAFI activation under all tested conditions. Notably, in cell-based models including endothelial cells, Fanhdi proved more efficient than all other preparations in improving thrombin generation even in the absence of inhibitor.
Conclusion:
The greater pro-haemostatic activity of FVIII/VWF complex, either in haemophilic plasma with inhibitor or in the presence of endothelial cells, may offer therapeutic advantages.
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