Recombinant factor VIIa partially reverses the inhibitory effect of fondaparinux on thrombin generation after tissue factor activation in platelet rich plasma and whole blood

Fondaparinux (Arixtra), a specific AT-dependent FXa inhibitor, is effective and safe in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, but some major hemorrhagic events may occur. No specific antidote to fondaparinux has been proposed. Recombinant FVIIa (Novoseven) could be used as an haemostatic treatment, but this option has not been well documented. We studied the effect of rFVIIa (1 micro g/ml) on the inhibition of thrombin generation induced by fondaparinux (0.1 micro g/ml to 1 micro g/ml). Coagulation was triggered in platelet rich plasma (PRP) or in whole blood by recalcification in the presence of diluted thromboplastin. In PRP thrombin generation was assessed using the thrombinoscope assay. In whole blood, prothrombin activation was assessed by measuring the kinetics of F(1+2) formation using an ELISA assay. Fondaparinux at concentrations equal or greater than 0.5 micro g/ml prolonged the initiation phase of thrombin generation, and reduced the velocity of prothrombin activation. It also decreased by 60% the endogenous thrombin potential. In the presence of fondaparinux (0.5 micro g/ml to 1 micro g/ml) rFVIIa accelerated the initiation phase of thrombin generation, but it did not significantly increase the endogenous thrombin potential. However, rFVIIa did not completely reverse the inhibitory effect of fondaparinux on the parameters of thrombin generation and prothrombin activation. This study shows that rFVIIa accelerates thrombin generation, but does not completely reverse the inhibitory effect of fondaparinux on thrombin generation. The potential clinical use of rFVIIa as haemostatic treatment of major bleedings related to fondaparinux has to be evaluated.     

Inhibition of thrombin generation by the oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran in shed blood from healthy male subjects

Ximelagatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, whose active form is melagatran, was studied using a model of thrombin generation in humans. Healthy male volunteers (18 per group) received ximelagatran (60 mg p.o.), dalteparin (120 IU/kg s.c.) or a control (water p.o.). Shed blood, collected after incision of the forearm with standardised bleeding time devices at pre-dose, and at 2, 4 and 10 h post-dosing, was analysed for markers of thrombin generation. Statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05) in levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) in shed blood were detected at 2 and 4 h post-dosing in both the ximelagatran and dalteparin groups. Shed blood F1+2 and TAT levels had returned to pre-dose levels at 10 h post-dosing. Using a shed blood model, we demonstrate that the reversible thrombin inhibitor melagatran and, therefore, oral administration of ximelagatran, inhibits thrombin generation in humans after acute activation of coagulation.     

Differences in the clinically effective molar concentrations of four direct thrombin inhibitors explain their variable prothrombin time prolongation

Four direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), lepirudin, bivalirudin, argatroban, and melagatran, differ in their ability to prolong the prothrombin time (PT). Paradoxically, the DTI in clinical use with the lowest affinity for thrombin (argatroban) causes the greatest PT prolongation. We compared the effects of these DTIs on various clotting assays and on inhibition of human and bovine factor Xa (FXa). On a mole-for-mole basis, lepirudin was most able to prolong the PT, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin clotting time (TCT), whereas argatroban had the least effect. At concentrations that doubled the APTT (argatroban, 1 micromol/l; melagatran, 0.5 micromol/l; bivalirudin, 0.25 micromol/l; lepirudin, 0.06 micromol/l), the rank order for PT prolongation was: argatroban > melagatran > bivalirudin > lepirudin. Although the Ki's associated with inhibition of human FXa by melagatran (1.4 micromol/l) and argatroban (3.2 micromol/l) approach their therapeutic concentrations, inhibition of FXa did not appear to be a major contributor to PT prolongation, since argatroban also prolonged the PT of bovine plasma (despite a Ki for bovine FXa of 2,600 micromol/l). Only melagatran inhibited prothrombinase-bound FXa. We conclude that the differing effects of the DTIs on PT prolongation are primarily driven by their respective molar plasma concentrations required for clinical effect. DTIs with a relatively low affinity for thrombin require high plasma concentrations to double the APTT; these higher plasma concentrations, in turn, quench more of the thrombin generated in the PT, thereby more greatly prolonging the PT.     

A direct thrombin inhibitor studied by dynamic whole blood clot formation. Haemostatic response to ex-vivo addition of recombinant factor VIIa or activated prothrombin complex concentrate

Direct thrombin inhibitors have proven efficacious in prevention of venous thromboembolism. Bleeding complications are rare, but in case of acute serious bleeding, an effective and instant haemostatic intervention may be required. In the present study it was demonstrated that the direct thrombin inhibitor melagatran induces dose-dependent abnormalities in whole blood (WB) clotting profiles as recorded by a recently described modified thrombelastographic model, and that rFVIIa or APCC are capable of improving the haemostatic capacity. Experiments were performed using WB from 30 healthy males. In-vitro titration experiments (n = 10) with addition of melagatran to WB corresponding to plasma concentrations ranging from 0 to 5.0 microM (12 steps) showed a dose-dependent prolongation of the clot initiation and characteristic decrease of the maximum rate of clot propagation. In-vitro intervention studies (n = 20) were completed with four different concentrations of melagatran as well as addition of four different levels of rFVIIa or APCC. At all tested concentrations of melagatran, rFVIIa significantly shortened the melagatran-induced prolonged clot initiation but induced only minor improvements of the reduced clot propagation. In contrast, APCC significantly and dose-dependently shortened the clot initiation and accelerated the clot propagation. In conclusion, our thrombelastographic model appears useful for evaluating the effect of direct thrombin inhibitors on dynamicWB clot formation and rFVIIa, but especially APCC significantly improved theWB clot formation. The pronounced stabilizing effect of APCC may be caused by its content of prothrombin and activated coagulation factors.     

Additive effects of anticoagulants: recombinant human activated protein C and heparin or melagatran, in tissue factor-activated umbilical-cord plasma

Severe sepsis in children or adults may cause a life-threatening coagulopathy, with widespread consumption of activated protein C (APC); recombinant human APC (rhAPC) is a promising candidate anticoagulant treatment. We investigated the effects of rhAPC and other anticoagulants on coagulation triggered by adding small quantities of lipidated tissue factor to human umbilical-cord plasma in vitro. rhAPC, unfractionated heparin (UH), and melagatran (a direct thrombin inhibitor) were studied individually, and in combinations of rhAPC with either UH or melagatran. rhAPC alone dose-dependently prolonged the activated partial-thromboplastin time (aPTT) but not the prothrombin time (PT), and dose-dependently suppressed two indices of thrombin generation, namely prothrombin fragment F 1.2 (F 1.2) generation and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex formation. UH alone dose-dependently prolonged the aPTT but not the PT, while melagatran alone dose-dependently prolonged both the aPTT and the PT. Adding either UH or melagatran dose-dependently augmented the capacity of rhAPC to suppress F 1.2 generation (with addition of UH showing a greater effect) and TAT formation (with addition of melagatran showing a greater effect). Both the capacity of UH to prolong the aPTT and the capacity of melagatran to prolong the aPTT and the PT were augmented by adding rhAPC. In our in-vitro study, adding either UH or melagatran augmented the capacity of rhAPC to suppress thrombin generation in human umbilical-cord plasma, with the anticoagulant effect of melagatran being more predictable than that of UH. Hence, combining rhAPC with melagatran might be a valuable therapeutic option in patients with severe sepsis.     

Effect of edoxaban on markers of coagulation in venous and shed blood compared with fondaparinux

Edoxaban, an oral direct factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, is in phase III clinical development for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and treatment of venous thromboembolism. The shed blood model allows for study of activated coagulation at a site of standardised tissue injury due to local release of tissue factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three doses of edoxaban on markers of coagulation in shed and venous blood versus placebo and a standard prophylactic dose of fondaparinux. A total of 100 healthy male subjects were randomised to receive single doses of one of five treatments: subcutaneously administered fondaparinux 2.5 mg; orally administered edoxaban 30, 60, or 120 mg; or placebo. The primary objective was measurement of blood coagulation markers prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex, and platelet activation marker β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), in venous and shed blood. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, shed blood volume, and safety of edoxaban. Single doses of edoxaban caused rapid and significant decreases of F1+2, TAT, and β-TG in the shed blood model, indicating inhibition of thrombin generation and platelet activation. Inhibition was significantly less for fondaparinux versus edoxaban. Baseline-corrected F1+2, TAT, and β-TG values demonstrated sustained inhibition up to 24 hours for shed blood in the edoxaban groups but no significant inhibition in venous blood. Overall, edoxaban treatments were well tolerated. In conclusion, single oral doses of edoxaban 30, 60, or 120 mg caused rapid and sustained inhibition of coagulation up to 24 hours in the shed blood model.     

Reversal of anticoagulant effects of edoxaban, an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor, with haemostatic agents

Edoxaban, an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor, has a similar or low incidence of bleeding events compared with other anticoagulants in clinical trials. Therefore, agents to reverse the anticoagulant effects of edoxaban could be desirable in emergency situations. In this study, the reversal effects of haemostatic agents were determined on prothrombin time (PT) prolongation in vitro and bleeding time prolongation in vivo by edoxaban. PT using human plasma was measured in the presence of edoxaban at therapeutic and excess concentrations with the haemostatic agents, prothrombin complex concentrate (PPSB-HT), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (Feiba), and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). In rats, rFVIIa and Feiba was given during intensive anticoagulation with edoxaban. The haemostatic effect was evaluated in a model of planta template bleeding and a potential prothrombotic effect was evaluated in a venous thrombosis model. PPSB-HT, Feiba, and rFVIIa concentration-dependently shortened PT prolonged by edoxaban. Among these, rFVIIa and Feiba showed potent activities in reversing the PT prolongation by edoxaban. rFVIIa (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.v.) and Feiba (100 U/kg, i.v.) significantly reversed edoxaban (1 mg/kg/h)-induced prolongation of bleeding time in rats. In a rat venous thrombosis model, no potentiation of thrombus formation was observed when the highest dose (3 mg/kg) of rFVIIa was added to edoxaban (0.3 and 1 mg/kg/h) compared with the control. The present study indicated that rFVIIa, Feiba, and PPSB-HT have the potential to be reversal agents for edoxaban.     

The role of platelets and recombinant factor VIIa on thrombin generation, platelet activation and clot formation

In the present study we assessed the effect of platelet counts and rFVIIa on thrombin generation, platelet activation and clot formation after tissue factor pathway activation in human plasma aiming to investigate the mechanism by which rFVIIa induces haemostasis in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Plasma samples with platelet counts from 5 x 10(9)/l to 150 x 10(9)/l were spiked with rFVIIa (1 micro g/ml) or buffer. Clotting was initiated in the presence of diluted thromboplastin. Thrombin generation was assessed using the Thrombogram-Thrombinoscope trade mark assay. The kinetics of platelet activation was assessed using flow cytometry to measure the expression the P-selectin on platelet membrane of washed platelets suspended in defibrinated homologous PPP. Thromboelastography was used to evaluate the effect of platelets and rFVIIa on the kinetics of clot formation and clot's firmness. In the presence of low platelet counts the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and the maximum concentration of generated thrombin (Cmax) were reduced by 60%-70%. The lag-time of thrombin generation and the time required to reach the Cmax (Tmax) were prolonged, the velocity of platelet activation was decreased and thrombus formation was delayed. Recombinant FVIIa accelerated thrombin generation and platelet activation but it did not significantly modify ETP or Cmax. Recombinant FVIIa enhanced platelet activation in a TF and thrombin dependent manner since its effect on the studied parameters was abolished when TF was omitted or when hirudin was added into the experimental system respectively. Recombinant FVIIa normalized the velocity of clot formation but it did not modify clot firmness, which depended mainly on platelets' count. In conclusion, in experimental conditions simulating severe thrombocytopenia rFVIIa in the presence of low amounts of TF, accelerates thrombin generation, without increasing the maximum amount of generated thrombin, thus leading in enhanced platelet activation and rapid clot formation.     

Effects of recombinant factor VIIa on platelet function and clot structure in blood with deficient prothrombin conversion

While recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) shows promise as a broad-spectrum hemostatic agent, questions remain regarding the most appropriate dose and the best way to monitor its effects. In this study we tested the sensitivity of a thrombin dependent platelet assay, platelet contractile force, to the effects of rFVIIa in normal, factor-deficient, and inhibitor-containing blood samples. Dose dependent effects of rFVIIa on platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) were measured in all blood samples. rFVIIa minimally affected PCF and CEM in normal blood clotted with thrombin or batroxobin. While rFVIIa minimally altered PCF and CEM in factor VIII (FVIII) deficient blood clotted with thrombin, rFVIIa increased PCF and CEM and shortened the lag phase in a dose dependent manner in batroxobin-induced clots. The effects of rFVIIa in factor IX (FIX) deficient blood mirrored the effects seen in FVIII deficient samples. Whether clotted with thrombin or batroxobin, baseline PCF and CEM were abnormally low in FVIII deficient samples containing FVIII inhibitors. In such samples, rFVIIa caused dose dependent improvement of PCF, CEM, and lag phases. In one patient with a spontaneous inhibitor, rFVIIa caused dose dependent increases in PCF and CEM in blood clotted with either enzyme. rFVIIa corrects the deficient thrombin generation seen in FVIII and FIX deficiency, and in blood containing FVIII inhibitors. As a consequence, platelet function is improved and clot structure is enhanced. Platelet contractile force and clot elastic modulus measurements are sensitive to the dose dependent effects of rFVIIa.     

Effects of prothrombin complex concentrate and recombinant activated factor VII on vitamin K antagonist induced anticoagulation

INTRODUCTION: Warfarin and its derivatives are widely used for prevention of thrombotic incidents. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) have been used clinically for the acute reversal of this agent but there is a paucity of data on comparative efficacies of these hemostatic interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using in vivo rat and in vitro human models of anticoagulation, we compared PCC and rFVIIa on the recovery of endogenous thrombin generation. For in vivo reversal of anticoagulation, saline (control), PCC 50 U ml(-1), or rFVIIa100 mug ml(-1) was given to rats which received phenprocoumon (2.5 mg kg(-1)) orally. For in vitro model, plasma samples from warfarin-treated individuals with INR values of 2.1-6.7 were spiked with PCC (0.2, 0.4, or 0.72 U ml(-1)) or rFVIIa (3.0 mug/ml). The treatments were evaluated using prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin generation (Thrombinoscope). RESULTS: Administration of phenprocoumon to rats prolonged PT (14.7+/-0.5 to 50.43+/-0.7 s) and decreased peak thrombin generation by 89+/-2.3%. Administration of PCC dose dependently reversed the anticoagulation effects both in warfarin-treated human plasma and in phenprocoumon-treated rats by shortening PT and increasing peak thrombin levels. However, rFVIIa only reversed PT, but had minimal effects on peak thrombin levels. CONCLUSION: Both PCC and rFVIIa reverse warfarin anticoagulation based on PT, but only PCC restores overall thrombin generation.     

Effect of clopidogrel on thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma in the rat.

Clopidogrel (25 mg/kg, p.o.), a potent and selective inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, significantly inhibited, in the presence of platelets, ex vivo thrombin generation triggered by low concentrations of tissue factor. Clopidogrel reduced the area under the curve (23%, p <0.05) and the thrombin peak concentration (35%, p <0.05) but did not affect the lag phase of thrombin generation. Under the same experimental conditions, heparin (100 microg/ml) inhibited thrombin generation mostly by delaying and by reducing the burst of thrombin. In a stasis-induced venous thrombosis model in rats under low thrombogenic challenge, clopidogrel inhibited thrombus formation (ED50 = 7.9+/-1.5 mg/kg, p.o. - n = 10), confirming the existence of a close relationship between platelet activation and thrombin generation leading to blood coagulation and venous thrombosis.     

Injection of recombinant activated factor VII can induce transient increase in circulating procoagulant microparticles

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is an effective haemostatic treatment in haemophiliacs with inhibitors. In vitro, FVIIa concentrations corresponding to those obtained with therapeutic doses of rFVIIa have been shown to induce normal thrombin generation and platelet activation in the absence of factors VIII or IX. To further study the in vivo haemostatic changes induced by rFVIIa, circulating procoagulant microparticles (MP) were measured in patients treated with discontinuous injections of Novoseven. In 6 out of 15 patients, a transient peak of procoagulant MP was observed after injection, occurring 15 min to 2 h after infusion. It was composed primarily of platelet-derived MP and was of very short duration. This peak was not observed in haemophiliacs without inhibitor, who were treated with conventional replacement therapies. Our results provide further in vivo evidence that rFVIIa specifically activates platelets, either directly or as a consequence of a burst of thrombin generation that could account for its haemostatic efficacy.     

In vitro and in vivo properties of bicyclic lactam inhibitors: a novel class of low molecular weight peptidomimetic thrombin inhibitors

We have developed potent and selective thrombin inhibitors with a novel non-peptidic structure. A bicyclic lactam was used as the scaffold on which various P1 and P3 motifs were substituted. Herein, we report the in vitro and in vivo properties of four representatives of this novel class of inhibitors. Their Ki values were less than 10 nM, they inhibited equally both free and clot-bound thrombin, and they displayed high level of specificity for thrombin over other serine proteases (trypsin, factor Xa, activated Protein C, and plasmin). They prolonged the clotting time of human plasma to twice the control value in coagulation assays (TT, APTT, and PT) at a concentration below 3 microM. Their anticoagulant activities using rat plasma were similar to, although slightly weaker, than with human plasma. Furthermore, they inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (human and rat) at concentrations close to their Ki values for thrombin. These molecules demonstrated similar dose response antithrombotic efficacy in rat arterial and venous thrombosis models when given as i.v. bolus followed by infusion. Antithrombotic efficacy of 85% and greater was observed at a dose of 5-7 microM/kg/hour in each model. Bicyclic lactam inhibitor 3, at a dose which caused a complete inhibition of visible thrombus formation in the venous and arterial models of thrombosis, showed a 1.9-2.1 and a 4.0-4.8-fold shift in APTT and TT, respectively. Unfortunately, the bicyclic lactam inhibitors exhibited low oral bioavailability in rats. Therefore, this novel class of bicyclic lactam thrombin inhibitor has the potential to be promising intravenous antithrombotic agents for the treatment of arterial as well as venous thrombosis and warrants further investigation.     

Effects of agents, used to treat bleeding disorders, on bleeding time prolonged by a very high dose of a direct thrombin inhibitor in anesthesized rats and rabbits

Melagatran is the active form of the oral, direct thrombin inhibitor, H 376/95, that is under evaluation in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism. In this study, a single dose, calculated on body weight basis, of antifibrinolytic treatment, factor VIIa, factor VIII with and without von Willebrand factor (vWF), factor IX, activated (APCC) or nonactivated (PCC) prothrombin complex concentrates was given intravenously to rats and rabbits, in an attempt to reverse the prolonged bleeding time during intensive anticoagulation with melagatran (2 micromol/kg/h). The doses used were at or above human therapeutic doses. The cutaneous tail bleeding time in the rat, as well as the ear incision bleeding time and cuticle bleeding time, and the blood loss in the rabbit were used for evaluation of the hemostatic effects of these agents. In vivo Feiba (APCC) and Prothromplex-T (PCC) shortened the prolonged cutaneous bleeding times in rats (P<.05); Feiba and Autoplex (APCC) shortened the cutaneous bleeding times in rabbits (P<.05). In contrast, Prothromplex-T prolonged bleeding times and blood loss in the rabbits (P<.05). Ex vivo Feiba, Autoplex and NovoSeven (rF VIIa) significantly (P<.05) shortened the prolonged whole blood clotting time (WBCT). Prothromplex-T significantly prolonged WBCT, activated clotting time (ACT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Feiba, Autoplex, and Prothromplex-T increased thrombin generation measured as increased thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) formation. In conclusion, APCCs were found to be the most effective agents for reversing bleeding time induced by a very high plasma concentration of melagatran. APCC and recombinant activated factor FVII (rF VIIa) effectively shortened the prolonged WBCT. Thus, stimulating thrombin generation with the use of APCC may counteract the anticoagulant effect observed with a very high dose of a thrombin inhibitor.     

亲体肝移植患者围手术期止血与凝血指标的变化

背景：亲体供肝移植后由于止血和凝血指标的异常可出现出血及血栓等严重并发症,但其具体变化规律如何尚未见报道。 目的：探讨亲体肝移植受体围手术期止血与凝血指标的变化。 方法：抽取44例亲体肝移植受者移植前、移植后1~7 d静脉血,检测患者血浆中活化部分凝血活酶时间、凝血酶原时间、凝血酶时间、纤维蛋白原含量、血小板、抗凝血酶活性、纤溶酶原活性、 纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1活性、D-二聚体、纤维蛋白降解产物的动态变化。以32名体检中心健康体检者为对照。 结果与结论：移植前活化部分凝血活酶时间、凝血酶原时间、凝血酶时间延长(P < 0.01),纤维蛋白原含量、血小板、抗凝血酶活性、纤溶酶原活性降低(P < 0.01),纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1升高(P < 0.01);移植后1周凝血酶原时间、活化部分凝血活酶时间、凝血酶时间、血小板、纤维蛋白原含量、抗凝血酶活性逐渐恢复正常,纤溶酶原活性、纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1、D-二聚体、纤维蛋白降解产物仍异常于正常值(P < 0.01)。结果提示亲体肝移植后凝血因子、抗凝因子的恢复是相对较快的,而纤溶因子的恢复则较为迟缓,纤溶功能亢进,是肝脏移植严重出血的主要原因,因此在移植后凝血与止血功能的监测,是预防出血和血栓形成的有效措施。 关键词：亲体肝移植;止血;凝血;肝移植;器官移植;围手术期     

Thrombin generation in newborn plasma is critically dependent on the concentration of prothrombin

The ability to generate thrombin is decreased and delayed in plasma from the healthy newborn infant compared to the adult. Only 30 to 50% of peak adult thrombin activity can be produced in neonatal plasma. To test whether this observation can be explained by the low neonatal levels of the contact or vitamin K dependent factors, we measured neonatal thrombin generation after raising the concentration of these factors to adult values. We also determined whether the addition of a variety of blood products to neonatal plasma improved thrombin generation. An amidolytic method was used to quantitate intrinsic (APTT) and extrinsic (PT) pathway thrombin generation in defibrinated pooled cord plasma from healthy term infants. Added individually, factors VII, IX, X or the contact factors (CF) failed to alter the rate or the total amount of thrombin generated in neonatal plasma. In contrast, the addition of prothrombin increased the total amount of thrombin generated to above adult values in both the APTT and the PT systems but did not alter the rate of thrombin generation. The rate of thrombin generation in cord plasma shortened after a combination of II, IX, X and CF was added to the APTT system or II, VII and X to the PT system. In both systems, the total amount of thrombin generated was linearly related to the initial prothrombin concentration. Each of fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, plasma from platelet concentrates, or factor IX concentrate (in amounts used therapeutically) caused an increase in the total amount of thrombin generated which was related to the increase in prothrombin concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of activated prothrombin complex concentrate or recombinant factor VIIa on the bleeding time and thrombus formation during anticoagulation with a direct thrombin inhibitor

Melagatran is the active form of the oral, direct thrombin inhibitor H 376/95. In several animal models of thrombosis, the antithrombotic properties of melagatran have been demonstrated, without any increase in experimental bleeding. However, as with all anticoagulants, in emergency situations, reversal of the anticoagulation may be necessary. In this study, increasing doses of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC, Feiba) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-F VIIa, NovoSeven) were superimposed on high doses of melagatran, or saline, in anaesthetised rats. The haemostatic effect was evaluated in two bleeding time models and a potential prothrombotic effect was evaluated in an arterial thrombosis model. Compared with melagatran alone (0.5 micromol/kg/h), Feiba in doses of > or =25 U/kg significantly shortened the prolonged bleeding time and reduced blood loss. In addition, Feiba > or =50 U/kg when added to melagatran (2 micromol/kg/h), significantly reduced bleeding time. No potentiation of thrombus formation was observed when Feiba was added to melagatran, compared with controls. NovoSeven at high doses (2-10 mg/kg) produced a nonsignificant trend in reduction of blood loss and with the highest dose (10 mg/kg) producing only a mild nonsignificant reduction in bleeding time. The prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and the ecarin clotting time (ECT) were more effectively shortened by Feiba than by NovoSeven. In contrast, whole blood clotting time (WBCT) was more effectively shortened by NovoSeven than by Feiba. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was shortened by NovoSeven but was prolonged by Feiba. Thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex formation was increased in a dose-dependent fashion more effectively by Feiba than by NovoSeven. Conclusion: Feiba (APCC) reversed prolonged bleeding time and blood loss in rats treated with high doses of melagatran and compared with the control group thrombus formation was not potentiated. NovoSeven (r-F VIIa) at high doses had less pronounced effects on blood loss and bleeding times compared with Feiba.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of melagatran, a novel synthetic LMW thrombin inhibitor, in patients with acute DVT

Forty-eight patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were randomised to intravenous infusions for 4 to 6 days with melagatran, a novel synthetic low molecular weight thrombin inhibitor, or unfractionated heparin adjusted by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The aim of the study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the safety of melagatran therapy at three different doses. Steady-state plasma concentrations were rapidly achieved and maintained throughout the infusion period. The mean plasma concentrations in the low, medium and high dose groups were 0.17, 0.31 and 0.53 micromol/l, respectively. The prolongation of APTT was stable during the melagatran infusions and correlated to the plasma concentration. Phlebographically verified regression of thrombus size measured as decrease in Marder score was seen after 4 to 6 days in 8 of 12 patients, 6 of 12 patients and 5 of 11 patients in the low, medium and high dose groups of melagatran and in 5 of the heparin-treated patients. In the low dose group with melagatran, thrombus extension was seen in one patient. At the dose levels studied, melagatran was well tolerated with no clinically significant bleeding problems, suggesting that melagatran could safely be given to patients suffering from DVT.     

Profibrinolytic activity of the direct thrombin inhibitor melagatran and unfractionated heparin in platelet-poor and platelet-rich clots

Anticoagulants have been shown to stimulate fibrinolysis principally via inhibition of thrombin-mediated activation of TAFI (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor). Their profibrinolytic effect, however, may vary according to their mechanism of action and to the clot composition. We compared the fibrinolytic activity of the direct thrombin inhibitor melagatran with that of unfractionated heparin in platelet-poor (PPP) and platelet-rich (PRP) models consisting of tissue-factor-induced clots exposed to exogenous t-PA (25 ng/ml). In the PPP clot model, both heparin (0.1-0.6 U/ml) and melagatran (20-320 ng/ml) caused a concentration-dependent shortening of lysis time. However, when drug profibrinolytic activity (lysis ratio) was expressed in function of the aPTT prolongation (aPTT ratio), melagatran was more efficient than heparin. In the PRP clot model, melagatran displayed a fibrinolytic activity fairly comparable to that observed in PPP whilst heparin caused a modest reduction of lysis time only at the highest concentrations. Assay of thrombin and TAFIa generation in defibrinated plasma showed that the presence of platelets markedly reduced the ability of heparin, but not that of melagatran, to inhibit the formation of these enzymes. Altogether these data indicate that melagatran is more efficient than heparin in promoting fibrinolysis, particularly in plateletrich clots, and may thus grant a greater antithrombotic activity by enhancing thrombus dissolution.     

Pharmacological characterization of a novel factor Xa inhibitor, FXV673

FXV673 is a novel, potent, and selective factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor. FXV673 inhibited human, dog, and rabbit FXa with a K(i) of 0.52, 1.41, and 0.27 nM, respectively. FXV673 also displayed excellent specificity toward FXa relative to other serine proteases. It showed selectivity of more than 1000-fold over thrombin, activated protein C (aPC), plasmin, and tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA). FXV673 prolonged plasma activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) in a dose-dependent fashion. In the APTT assays, the concentrations (microM) required for doubling coagulation time were 0.41 (human), 0.65 (monkey), 1.12 (dog), 0.25 (rabbit), and 0.80 (rat). The concentrations (microM) required in the PT assays were 1.1 (human), 1.32 (monkey), 2.31 (dog), 0.92 (rabbit), and 1.69 (rat). A coupled-enzyme assay was performed to measure thrombin activity following prothrombinase conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. FXV673 showed IC(50)s of 1.38 and 2.55 nM, respectively, when artificial phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine (PS/PC) liposomes or fresh platelets were used as the phospholipid source for prothrombinase complex formation. It was demonstrated that FXV673 could inhibit further thrombin generation in the prothrombinase complex using PS/PC liposomes. FXV673 dose-dependently prolonged the time to vessel occlusion and inhibited thrombus formation in well-characterized canine models of thrombosis. Interspecies extrapolation (approximately 2.5-fold higher sensitivity for FXa inhibition in human than in dog) suggested that 100 ng/ml of FXV673 would be an effective plasma concentration for clinical studies. Currently FXV673 is undergoing clinical studies to be developed as an antithrombotic agent.