FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the topical treatment of hemorrhages in a subject by means
of the use od FXa stimulators. This invention is based in the discovery that lipitaded
Tissue Factor (TF) exerts e new regulatory role stimulating all proteolytic activities
(amidolytic and prothrombin hydrolytic activity) of both forms of FXa, soluble and
bound to prothrombinase complex.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Physiology of Coagulation
[0002] Hermostasis is the mechanism by means of which living beings respond to a hemorrhage
and involves the participation of two processes that become functional immediately
after a lesion and remain active for a long period of time. The first of them is known
as primary hemostasis and is characterized by the occurence of vasoconstriction at
the vascular lesion site and platelet aggregate formation. The second one is known
as secondary hemostasis, being the phase in which the fibrin clot is formed due to
the action of the action of the different coagulation cascade proteolytic enzymes.
[0003] Platelet aggregate plays a key role in hemostasis in capillaries, being particularly
relevant in mucocutaneous hemorrhages. In constrast, fibrin clot formation is much
more important in large vessel hemostasis, being more relevant in internal hemorrhages
(gastrointestinal, cerebral, etc.). The following phases can be distinguished during
platelet aggregate formation: (i) platelet adhesion to the sub-endothelium surface
exposed by the lesion; (ii) release of the granular content of platelets as a response
to their activation; (iii) platelet aggregation with the subsequent sequestering and
concentration of more platelets at the lesion site; and (iv) binding of fibrinogen
as well as other coagulation proteins to the platelet surface to produce thrombin
and form the fibrin clot that will allow the plates to become fused and consolidated,
thus stabilizing the hemostasic clot. Furthermore, it is well known that platelet
count is critical for fibrin clot formation; platelet counts below 20,000 per µl are
accompanied with severe bleeding episodes.
[0004] Several cofactors and proteolytic enzymes participate in the second phase of the
blood coagulation process, all referred to as coagulation factors, and it consists
of several phases ending with fibrin formation from fibrinogen hydrolysis due to the
action of thrombin. Furthermore the thrombin production enhances the platelet aggregate
by increasing the activation and aggregation of more platelets. Thrombin is previously
formed by proteolytic hydrolysis of an apoenzyme, prothrombin. This proteolysis is
carried out by the serine protease FXa, which binds to the surface of the activated
platelets and only in the presence of its cofactor, activated coagulation factor V
(FVa), and calcium ions, this serine protease is able to hydrolyze prothrombin. FXa
can occur by two separate pathways, the intrinsic pathway and the extrinsic pathway.
[0005] The intrinsic pathway consists of a series of reactions involving mainly coagulation
factor VIII (FVIII), coagulation factor IX (FIX) and coagulation factor XI (FXI),
in which each proenzyme is hydrolyzed, yielding its active protease form (FVIIIa,
FIXa and FXIa). In each step, the recently formed proteolytic enzyme will catalyze
activation of the following proenzyme to successively yield the active form. Activation
of the different coagulation factors involved in the intrinsic pathway takes place;
therefore, in the manner of a cascade, a deficiency of any of the proteins of the
intrinsic pathway blocks activation of the following step, preventing clot formation
and increasing hemorrhagic tendency. Deficiencies of different coagulation factors,
for example, FVIII, FIX or FXI, cause severe hemorrhagic syndromes, such as hemophilia
A, B and C, respectively.
[0006] In the blood coagulation extrinsic pathway, the TF exposed on adventitia cells at
the lesion site, binds to circulating coagulation factor VII/activated coagulation
factor VII (FVII/FVIIa) to form the TF::FVIIA complex and, in the presence of calcium,
to act as a substrate for FX activation. The extrinsic pathway is currently considered
the most relevant pathway in blood coagulation, and it is accepted that in the event
of a hemorrhage produced by a vascular lesion, coagulation is triggered due to extrinsic
pathway activation involving the interaction ofTF with its ligand, FVII/FVIIa.
[0007] Another role assigned to the TF::FVIIa complex in coagulation is to act as a substrate
so that FX activation takes place due to FVIIa. As a result, basal FXa levels (<150
pM), which initially are insufficient to generate fibrin clot formation, increase.
This increases in basal FXa concentrations in the presence of its cofactor, FVa, and
of a cellular procoagulant surface, would be able to produce the thrombin required
for fibrin clot formation. It is currently accepted that once the platelets are activated,
they play a key role in blood coagulation. They provide the procoagulant surface rich
in anionic phospholipids and on the other hand they expose the FVa and FXa factors
stored within them. All this allows correct assembly of the different agents involved
in coagulation on the surface of their plasma membranes forming the well known prothrombinase
complex (which includes FXa, FVa, prothrombin, and an anionic procoagulant platelet
phospholipid surface).
[0008] The theory of extrinsic pathway activation is capable to explain how coagulation
begins through the role that has been attributed to the TF::FVIIA complex. One example
illustrating the biological relevance of the TF::FVIIA complex in the blood coagulation
process is the Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Syndrome. This clinical
condition is associated with the intravascular release of TF and can occur in the
course of severe clinical conditions (shock, sepsis, cardiac arrest, major trauma,
liver disease, major surgery, bums, etc).
[0009] Evidently in a context in which FVIIa is not present, as occurs in a congenital deficiency
of this factor, coagulation hypothetically will never take place since FX will not
be activated at sufficient levels and, consequently, hemorrhagic manifestations should
be fatal. Murine models confirm this theory and FVII deficiency is incompatible with
life, being accompanied by severe fatal hemorrhages. However, congenital FVII deficiencies
described in humans until now, are not always accompanied by hemorrhages. Cases of
complete FVII deficiency with no clinical symptoms and occurring in healthy individuals
with no hemorrhagic complications have been reported. All this suggests that other
trigger coagulation mechanisms independent of FVII must exist in humans.
[0010] TF is an integral membrane glycoprotein belonging to the super-family of class II
cytokine receptors specifically bonding to FVII/FVIIa and plays a relevant role in
the blood coagulation extrinsic pathway. The physiological roles assigned to TF are
well known; on one hand, it is a receptor specific for FVIIa and, once the TF::FVIIA
complex has been formed, it acts as a substrate so that FX activation takes place.
In fact, after a vascular lesion, TF, which is normally sequestered on the surface
of adventitia cells externally surrounding blood vessels, comes into contact and interacts
with its ligand, FVII present in blood, to form the TF::FVII complex. Once this complex
is formed, FVII autoactivation takes place, yielding its active form FVIIa. There
is currently extensive information on the TF::FVII complex structure. The main FVII
binding sites participating in the interaction with TF are located in the first domain
similar to that of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and in the protease domain. On
the other hand, it has also been reported that other less relevant binding sites participate
(4-carboxyglutamate-rich domain (Gla domain) and the second EGF domain). The binding
sites present in TF are located in the two type III fibronectin domains and in the
intermediate region between both domains.
[0011] Recent studies have allowed identifying that TF Lysine 165 and Lysine 166 residues
interact with the Gla domain of FX, both in the activated and non-activated forms.
However, in contrast with that which occurs with information referring to the I TF::FVIIa
complex little is known about the interaction of TF with FX and FXa. First, data suggests
that Lys (165 and 166) residues act as a substrate for FX activation. On the other
hand, it has been recently described that TF can acts as FXa cofactor for FVII activation.
That is, the binding of FVII to TF stimulates FVIIa autoactivation and FX activation.
After, FXa bound to TF stimulates FVII activation which, in turn, will increase FX
activation, and consequently prothrombin hydrolysis and fibrin clot formation.
[0012] The inventors have discovered that the postulated role of TF as cofactor for FXa
is much more relevant becoming critical for hemostasis. Despite to the accepted role
of TF as membrane receptor for FVII, the inventors have shown that TF is also a potent
FXa stimulator. TF acts as stimulator of FXa producing a significant enhance in its
proteolytic activity. "Stimulators of FXa" as used in this description makes reference
to all forms of FXa, such as FXa soluble and FXa bound to prothrombinase complex.
[0013] It is well known that FXa at picomolar concentrations is unable to produce any effect
on coagulation, even in the presence of its well known cofactor, FVa (see table 9).
Therefore, under these conditions prothrombinase complex is not active. Surprisingly,
in the presence of TF (i.e. injury or exogenous administration), FXa at picomolar
concentrations (i.e. physiological basal concentrations or exogenously administered)
cause prothrombin hydrolysis, leading to fibrin clot formation, even in the absence
of FVII/FVIIa (table 7).
[0014] In the present patent application the inventors describe that TF::FXa interaction
is a new trigger coagulation mechanism independent of the TF::FVIIA complexes and
the extrinsic coagulation pathway.
[0015] Finally, it is well known that there are certain platelet diseases occurring with
disorders in platelet aggregation and a greater tendency of hemorrhagic episodes,
amongst which Glanzmann's disease and the Bernard-Soulier Syndrome stand out, in which
congenital defects affecting the fibrinogen receptor or the Gplb receptor, respectively,
have been disclosed. On the other hand, severe hemorrhagic episodes are present in
congenital and acquired thrombocytopenic disorders when platelet count decreases below
20,000 per µl.
[0016] In the present patent application, the inventors have demonstrated that lipidated
TF is also effective in the treatment of hemorrhages present in congenital, acquired
platelet diseases and severe Thrombocytopenic disorders (below 9,000 per µl).
2. Coagulation Pathology
[0017] Congenital deficiencies of each coagulation factor can be associated with the occurrence
of hemorrhages and generally involve a single protein; thus, for example, hemophilia
A is a hereditary hemorrhagic disease affecting FVIII. Acquired coagulation diseases
occur in individuals with no prior history of bleeding and may have multiple sources;
by way of illustration, the presence of inhibitors specific for coagulation factors
may occur in individuals who have been subjected to many transfusions. Although acquired
coagulation factor deficiencies are an unknown etiological entity also causing severe
hemostasic problems, they are also one of the most important problems in multiple
transfusions to which patients with congenital coagulopathies are subjected. Other
important source of acquired coagulation disorders are anticoagulant therapies, such
as heparin and warfarin drugs. A significant percentage (5-10%) of patients treated
with anticoagulant drugs present bleeding episodes most of them are difficult to manage.
[0018] As it has been previously mentioned, congenital and acquired platelet disorders can
be also associated with hemorrhages. Platelet count decreases (below 20.000 per µl)
may cause fibrin clot impairment frequently accompanied with severe bleeding episodes.
[0019] The currently available therapeutic arsenal in a mild/moderate or severe/fatal hemorrhage
(by surgery or external trauma) is very limited. There are different hemostatic agents
that are able to accelerate blood coagulation and preventing hemorrhages, for example
(1) human-derived blood products, such as coagulation factor concentrates and local
hemostatic agents, such as fibrillar collagen, fibrin glue and prothrombin complex
concentrates; (2) human recombinant proteins; (3) antifibrinolytics drugs, such as
aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid; and (4) inorganic local hemostatic agents, such
as silica and caolin surfaces.
[0020] The following critical limitations have been reported:
- (1) Intravenous administration
- (2) Special device requirement for administration
- (3) Narrow therapeutic focus
- (4) Inappropriate or troublesome treatment to be administrated in specific bleeding
episodes
- (5) Lack of acute effect
- (6) Instability of fibrin clot
- (7) Very dangerous side-effects
- (8) Expensive treatment
Human derived blood products (coagulation factor and platelet concentrates)
[0021] It is a high expensive and low available treatment that it must always be intravenously
administered. It has a very narrow therapeutic focus, it is only useful to treat their
specific deficiency. It is inappropriate to topically treat any kind of bleeding episodes.
It is not useful to acutely treat an hemorrhage because it requires long administration
protocols to be effective, and above all is a very dangerous treatment: 20% of hemophilic
patients have developed hepatitis, 5% HIV, and up to 15% present plasmatic antibodies
against FVIII or FIX (acquired hemophilia) that requires special and very expensive
substitutive treatments (immunosuppressant, high doses of coagulation factors, plasmapheresis,
etc). For these reasons, public health organizations (WHO, FDA, EMEA, etc) are very
interested in the development of new hemostatic agents better than coagulation factor
concentrates.
Local hemostatic agents
[0022] It is an expensive treatment inappropriate to be administrated in some bleeding episodes
(i.e. epistaxis), troublesome for dental treatment, form unstable fibrin clot, and
as coagulation factor concentrates have the same potential dangerous side-effects.
They should not be used in patients who have never received human-derived blood products
or those who are receiving treatment with recombinant FVIII or FIX because of the
potential risks of human viral transmission.
Human Recombinant Proteins
[0023] It is the most expensive treatment (average cost of 6,000 €) only available for developed
countries. As coagulation factor concentrates, it must always be intravenously administered,
has a very narrow therapeutic focus because it is only useful to treat their specific
deficiency, is inappropriate to topically treat hemorrhages, is not useful to acutely
treat an hemorrhage because it also requires long administration protocols to be effective,
and although no human viral transmission has been reported, the same percentage of
acquired hemophilia has been described (up to 15% present antibodies anti FVIII or
FIX). As coagulation factor concentrates, public authorities greatly limit its use.
Antifibrinolytic Drugs
[0024] They have a narrow therapeutic focus this being its most relevant limitation. These
drugs require previous fibrin clot formation to be effective. Therefore, they are
only useful in healthy subjects, however when fibrin clot is inappropriately formed
(i.e. congenital coagulopathies, such as hemophilia, FVII deficiency) their therapeutic
efficacy dramatically decreases. Moreover, they are not useful to acutely treat a
hemorrhage because they also require long administration protocols to be effective.
Inorganic local hemostatic agents
[0025] The most important restriction for the use of these hemostatic agents is that they
are inappropriate to be administrated in much kind of hemorrhages, such as epistaxis,
dental, and surgical. Moreover, a painful exothermic reaction has been reported, reducing
significantly its use only for mucocutaneous bleeding in critical situations (wars).
[0026] In conclusion, surprisingly there are no drugs available today useful for the topical
treatment of a simple episode of epistaxis or gingival dental bleeding after brushing
one's teeth or simply due to an everyday wound caused by shaving, due to the punctured
vein in a blood extraction, or due to the wound from an accidental fall in the street.
The problem is further aggravated in the case of patients with hemorrhagic diathesis,
for example with congenital coagulopathies of the hemophilia type or the von Willebrand
disease or patients with congenital platelet disorders, of the Glanzmann's disease
type or the Bernard-Soulier syndrome, or acquired coagulopathies. These patients have
serious problems with day to day living and in a simple dental extraction or in any
minor trauma causing a bleeding wound they have no medical treatment available to
improve their quality of life. The problem obviously becomes greater when these patients
suffer an external trauma or severe bleeding accident since their life is at serious
risk. In all these situations, the only available pharmacological tool is the administration
of human plasma containing the deficient factors or the human recombinant factor specific
for each coagulation factor. All these therapies imply using the parenteral route
and, therefore, are not designed to be used with great frequency, as would be the
case, for example, in any daily mild or moderate bleeding. Finally, it is widely accepted
that new local hemostatic agents without the limitations previously described, will
represent a significant improve of present treatment which will reduce both the cost
and the high prevalence of side-effects.
3. Background of the invention
[0027] Until now it has been accepted that TF is the main element responsible to trigger
blood coagulation. For coagulation to begin, it is absolutely necessary activation
of FX to FXa to start prothrombin hydrolysis. The source of this FXa has mainly been
attributed to the interaction of FVIIa with its receptor, TF. Although it has been
described that FXa is present in platelet granules and that it may be exposed on the
surface when its activation takes place, the physiological concentrations of FXa (<
150 pM) present in blood are insufficient to begin thrombin formation, even in the
presence of its cofactor, FVa and of a platelet procoagulant surface (figure 1). Therefore,
it is currently accepted that coagulation can only start when FXa basal concentrations
significantly increase. The source of the increase of FXa basal concentrations has
always been attributed to both, the TF::FVIIA complex and FIXa proteolytic activities
(figure 2).
[0028] Lipidated TF recombinant proteins have been able to accelerate only
in vitro conditions, coagulation in both healthy and hemophilic blood samples, attributing
this action to the classic role assigned to TF as FVIIa receptor. However, in the
same experimental conditions, non-lipidated TF has demonstrated a complete lack of
effect, which indicates that lipidization is necessary to achieve TF functionality
(section 6.1 of the results).
[0029] The use of lipidated TF as a topical hemostatic agent has never been described as
a single treatment for mild, severe and lethal bleedings (traumatic or surgical arterial
and venous hemorrhages).
[0030] European patent
EP 266993 discloses the use of non-lipidated TF as a hemostatic agent for parenteral treatment
of hemorrhagic syndromes. However, the same patent discloses the important differences
in activity between the non-lipidated TF claimed by
EP 266993 and the lipidated TF object of the present patent application.
[0031] In fact, it is well known that lipidated TF is active
in vitro conditions and their parenteral administration immediately initiates disseminated
intravascular coagulation with fatal consequences. In contrast, non-lipidated TF is
not active
in vitro conditions, however it has been claimed (
EP 266993) for treatment of coagulopathies by parenteral administration.
[0032] To date, there are not data about the effect of both, lipidated and non-lipidated
TF for single topical treatment of bleeding episodes. In the present patent application,
using the tail rat transection model, the inventors have demonstrated that non-lipidated
TF was unable to stop bleeding. In contrast, inventors have shown for the first time,
that lipidated TF is a useful hemostatic agent to treat topically all kind of hemorrhages,
including in pathological (animals treated with heparin and warfarin) and in healthy
conditions (control rats without alteration of coagulation). Overall, indicates that
lipidated and non-lipidated TF arc clearly different compounds. Consequently, the
use of lipidated TF as an agent for the single topical treatment of hemorrhages is
not obvious for a person skilled in the art.
[0033] On the other hand,
EP 266993 was performed according to the state of the art which postulates that the serine-protease
FVII is only activated when bound to its receptor, TF. Therefore, according to
EP 266993 and to the state of the art, when FVII/FVIIa is not present, TF must not be active.
It was unobvious to any person skilled in the art to think of TF (lipidated and non-lipidated)
could be effective in the treatment of FVII deficient patients. Inventors have discovered
that even in the absence of FVIIa, TF acts as a cofactor for FXa. This finding is
fundamental to understand that non-lipidated TF can also act as parenteral hemostatic
agent for hemorrhage in defective FVII patients.
[0034] International patent application
WO 94/02172 teaches that the temporarily inhibition of one or more natural anticoagulants by
systemic administration of an inhibitor of a natural anticoagulant (an antibody) can
inhibit microvascular bleeding. Optionally, the inhibitor can be administered in combination
with a topical administration of thrombin or lipidated TF. It is important to point
out that the use of both compounds was always as optional adjuvant treatments and
never as single treatment. Moreover,
WO 94/02172 claims the use of these synergistic treatments only for capillary bleeding (microvascular
bleeding, i.e. burns, inflamed visceral surfaces, bleeding liver surfaces...), and
never for severe or lethal hemorrhages caused by surgery or external trauma involving
arterial and venous injury. However, the inventors of
WO 94/02172 admit that, although they observed a synergistic effect when topically administering
thrombin in combination with the systemic treatment, no such synergistic effect was
observed when administering topically TF (
WO 94/02172, figure 3 and page 22, lines 14-15). Moreover, the dose claimed in
WO 94/02172 ranges very high, from 0.1 to 10 mg.
[0035] Contrary to
WO 94/02172, the present patent application is claiming the single treatment of mild/moderate
to severe/lethal arterial or venous hemorrhage with lipidated TF alone showing examples
in which such treatment is effective at a 1.2 µg/ml of active protein dose for traumatic
hemorrhages (see severe model in tables 24 and 25). Such a surprising and extraordinarily
effective treatment has not been described until now, because it was unobvious for
any person skilled in the art that lipidated TF acts as a stimulator of FXa proteolytic
activity. Inventors have discovered that in the absence of FVIIa, TF acts as a cofactor
for FXa, even in the absence of its well known cofactor, FVa. This finding is fundamental
to understand that lipidated TF alone can act as a hemostatic agent for severe hemorrhage
in healthy and pathological conditions.
[0036] US Patent 4,721,618 teaches that the intravenously administered synergistic mixture of phospholipids
(PCPS) and FXa at high concentrations (0.2 to 0.5 U/Kg) may bypass the Factor VIII:
C deficiency in a hemophilic mammal, so that the cascade process of blood clotting
may continue. The suggested high concentrations of FXa are active without the need
of PCPS lipid vesicles (which can enhance this activity). Also,
WO 02/086118 teaches that compositions that include a mixture of at least one specific phospholipid
and at least one serine protease-activated blood coagulation factor are useful for
treating blood coagulation disorders decreasing the need for administered blood coagulation
factors.
[0037] Furthermore, ellagic acid and other accelerators such as zeolite, silica and inorganic
oxide materials have been used to enhance blood coagulation and claimed in
WO 02/30479.
[0038] According to
WO 02/086118, a coagulation factor is defined as a serine protease-activated blood coagulation
factor (page 5, lines 13-15). Therefore, TF may not be considered as a blood coagulation
factor, because TF is not a serine protease, but a specific cell surface receptor
for factor VIIa.
[0039] In the present patent application the inventors have demonstrated that phospholipids
(phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine at different percentages and 5 molarities)
do not increase the procoagulant effect mediated by lipidated TF (table 21), which
indicates that the synergistic effect claimed by
US Patent 4,721,618 and
WO 02/086118 is exclusive for serine protease-activated blood coagulation factors, but not for
membrane receptors such as TF. Surprisingly, when lipidated TF was simultaneously
combined with negatively charged inorganic surfaces (NCIS) a 10 significant synergistic
effect was observed
in vitro and
in vivo experimental conditions. NCIS used in this description are constituted by a mixture
of lipids and a blood coagulation accelerator, ellagic acid. The lipids have net negative
charge, what means that the lipidic mixture can include neutral or zwiterionic lipids,
but it must contain a certain amount of negatively charged lipids that confers anionic
character to the 15 mixture. By way of an illustrative, non limiting example, negatively
charged lipids can be sphingolipids (such as ceramide-1-phosphates, glicosilated phosphatidylethanolamine,
hydroxylated or non hydroxylated sulfatides, gangliosides) and glycerol-based lipids
(such as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphates,
phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylglicerols, 20 cardiolipins). There are commercially
available NCIS such as Dade® Actin® (Dade Behring) trademark, e.g., Dade® Actin® FS.
[0040] In conclusion, the present patent application describes a new local hemostatic agent
characterized by the following advantages respect to commercially available drugs:
(1) Easy topical administration
(2) No special device requirements for its topical administration
(3) Broad therapeutic focus (deficits of FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and
FXIII)
(4) Appropriate treatment to be administrated in all kind of bleeding episodes 30
(epistaxis, dental bleeding, mucocutaneous, traumatic and surgery hemorrhages)
(5) Exerts a potent acute effect
(6) Physiological fibrin clot formation (extreme clot stability)
[0041] The late published international patent application
WO2006/004675 relates to a recombinant mammalian tissue factor produced in plants and its use for
treating or preventing blood loss. In example 6 of this application, human recombinant
TF produced in E. coli (rhTF243) and that produced in lettuce rhTF263 are used for
topical haemostasis practised in pigs.
(7) Without side-effects
(8) Low cost treatment
[0042] The main goal of WHO, FDA, EMEA and other public health authorities is to reduce
the dangerous side-effects associated to the consumption of human-derived blood products
blood. The present invention has been designed to cover these unmeet needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The role assigned to the TF::FVIIa complex in coagulation is widely known. The TF::FVIIa
complex acts as a substrate so that FX activation takes place. Recent studies have
allowed identifying that the TF Lysine 165 and Lysine 166 residues interact with the
Gla domain of FX, both in the activated and non-activated forms. Contrary to the TF::FVIIa
complex, little is known about the interaction of TF with FX and FXa. It has only
been described that TF can act as a stimulator of FXa for FVII activation. That is,
the binding of FXa to TF would stimulate FVII activation which, in turn, will increase
FX activation.
[0044] The inventors have discovered that the role of TF as a stimulator of FXa is much
more relevant becoming critical for hemostasis (figure 3). It is well known that FXa
at picomolar concentrations is unable to produce any effect on coagulation and platelet
aggregation. Despite to the accepted role of TF as membrane receptor for FVII, the
inventors have shown that TF acts also as a stimulator of FXa for enhancing its main
proteolytic activity, prothrombin hydrolysis, leading to fibrin clot formation.
[0045] Surprisingly, in the presence of TF (i.e. injury or exogenous administration), FXa
at picomolar concentrations, causes prothrombin hydrolysis, leading to fibrin clot
formation, even in the absence of its ligand, FVII/FVIIa. Overall results, indicates
that TF acts as a stimulator of FXa, and the specific binding of FXa to TF is the
first step that triggers blood coagulation.
[0046] The inventors' data suggests that the quickness with which coagulation takes place
is dependent on the interaction between TF and in all FXa previously described forms.
[0047] In the presence of FXa physiological concentrations (<150 pM) incapable of initiating
coagulation on their own, lipidated TF is able to quickly initiate thrombin formation
as result of its action as a cofactor.
[0048] Thse hemostatic effects are surprisingly independent of the presence of FVII and
FVIIa, therefore the procoagulant effect mediated by the endogenous TF::FXa complex
(FXa <150 pM) is particularly useful and relevant in factor VII-deficient samples.
Nevertheless, potent hemostasic effects have also been observed in samples from patients
with congenital defects of other coagulation factors, such as: FVIII (hemophilia A),
FIX (hemophilia B), FXI (hemophilia C), FV, FX, FXII, and FXIII, as well as in individuals
with congenital platelet disorders, such as the Bernard Soulier Syndrome and Glanzmann's
Disease and Thrombocytopenic Disorders.
[0049] Therefore, this invention is based on the use of lipidated TF alone or combined with
FXa and/or with NCIS as a new stimulator of FXa useful for the topical treatment of
hemorrhages present in healthy individuals and in patients with hemorrhagic diathesis.
[0050] Therefore, in an aspect the invention relates to a lipidated TF, or a functional
fragment thereof, in the preparation of a drug for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging
in a subject, with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from Trangenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

[0051] In another aspect, the invention relates to a product comprising lipidated TF alone
or combined with FXa and/or a NCIS. The use of said product as a drug or in the preparation
of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject constitutes a further aspect
of this invention.
[0052] In another aspect the invention relates to a complex formed by lipidated TF and a
compound selected from FXa, an NCIS and combinations of both. The use of said complex
as a drug or in the elaboration of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject
constitutes a further aspect of this invention.
[0053] In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising
a lipidated TF, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a particular
embodiment, said pharmaceutical composition further comprises FXa and/or an NCIS.
[0054] In another aspect the invention relates to a product comprising said
[0055] pharmaceutical composition and a support. In a particular embodiment, said pharmaceutical
composition further comprises FXa and/or an NCIS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0056]
Figure 1 is a schematic representation showing basal FXa concentrations and fibrin
clot formation.
Figure 2 is a schematic representation showing the classical intrinsic and extrinsic
pathways of blood coagulation.
Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing the new regulatory effect of lipidated
TF as stimulator of FXa according to instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] The findings herein described show for the first time that lipidated TF in the absence
of its ligand, FVII/FVIIa, acts as a stimulator of FXa causing this enzyme to initiate
prothrombin hydrolysis and, accordingly, for coagulation to take place. This new mechanism
is particularly relevant in very low FXa concentration levels (below those considered
physiological 150 pM). It is well known that there are certain platelet diseases occurring
with disorders in platelet aggregation and a greater tendency of hemorrhagic episodes.
Accordingly, exogenously administered lipidated TF is not only useful in congenital
coagulopathies but will further allow hemostasis in congenital and acquired platelet
disorders, such as Glanzmann's disease, Bernard-Soulier Syndrome and Thrombocytopenic
Disorders.
[0058] The quickness with which coagulation takes place is therefore not dependent on the
formation of the TF::FVIIa complex and subsequent FX activation, as has been thought
until now, but the interaction of TF and FXa at physiological basal concentrations
(<150 pM). The most relevant biological consequence of the formation of this interaction
is the quick generation of the beginning of coagulation and that this only requires
the presence of FXa at physiological concentrations present in blood and the interaction
with its stimulator, TF. The process is immediately amplified as a result of the thrombin
initially formed by the complex and as a result of the greater production of FXa,
whether due to the TF::FVIIa complex or due to thrombin itself.
[0059] Therefore the inventors' findings clearly show that in the absence of FVIIa and in
the presence of FXa at physiological concentrations (< 150 pM) incapable of initiating
coagulation on their own, lipidated TF quickly initiates thrombin formation as a result
of its new action as a stimulator of FXa, promoting the beginning of prothrombin hydrolysis.
On the other hand, the inventors' findings show that lipidated TF and FXa at low concentrations
(which are not effective for exercising antihemorrhagic effects on their own) when
administered together are able to quickly cause the beginning of the fibrin clot formation.
The effects observed with the TF::FXa combinations, specifically with an FXa concentration
<150 pM, are much better than those detected when lipidated TF is administered alone.
The combination of FXa and lipidated TF with NCIS can enhance the hemostasic effect
even more. The obtained results support the idea that in the presence of FXa basal
concentrations present in plasma (<150 pM), incapable of generating the initial procoagulant
response on their own, this response takes place when TF acts as a stimulator of FXa.
[0060] Accordingly, lipidated TF, alone or combined with FXa and/or NCIS, can be used as
new topical hemostatic agents useful for the treatment of hemorrhaging present in
healthy individuals and in patients suffering from hemorrhagic diathesis. with the
proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment
thereof obtained from transgenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

I. Use of Lipidated TF in the Topical Treatment of Hemorrhages
[0061] The inventors have surprisingly found that lipidated TF increases FXa proteolytic
activity and, accordingly, thrombin production [see section 1 of the results of the
example included in this description]. The inventors have also observed that lipidated
TF coagulates plasma and blood in healthy subjects and coagulation factor-deficient
patients, including those that are FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX., FXI, FXII and FXIII
deficient, as well as in anticoagulated patients (by means of anticoagulant treatments
with drugs such as heparin, low molecular weight heparins or coumarinic derivatives,
these being a non-limitating examples), both
in vitro [see, sections 1 to 5 of
[0062] the results of the example included in this description] and
in vivo [see sections 6 and 7 of the results of the example included in this description].
The inventors have further found that lipidated TF coagulates blood in patients suffering
from platelet disorders [see section 5 of the results of the example included in this
description]. These results clearly show that lipidated TF is an antihemorrhagic agent
useful for topical treatment of hemorrhages in a subject.
[0063] Taking in account the state of the art, it is unobvious to think as TF as a procoagulant
topical single treatment in healthy subjects or hemophilic patients (FVIII, FIX and
FXI deficient), with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from trangenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

[0064] It was absolutely unlikely in FVII-deficient patients because the TF-FVII complex
cannot be formed; in FV or in FX deficient patients because the prothrombinase complex
cannot be assembled; and in heparinized patients because both thrombin and FXa are
blocked by antithrombin III, and in warfarin treated patients because synthesis of
all vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (FVII, FIX, and FX) are abolished.
[0065] Therefore, in an one aspect, the invention is aimed at the use of lipidated TF, or
a functional lipidated fragment thereof, in the preparation of a drug for the topical
treatment of hemorrhages in a subject, with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from trangenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

[0066] TF is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is widely distributed in the animal
kingdom. The TF protein has a domain structure, i.e. it is a protein with independent
functional regions. Each one of the domains of the human TF apoprotein has unique
structural and functional characteristics: (1) a signal peptide or a region with a
32 amino acid leader sequence that is post-translationally processed when the protein
is processed from the immature to the mature form; (2) an N-glycosylated hydrophilic
extracellular domain comprising about 219 terminal amino acids; (3) a fragment of
about 23 amino acids, mainly hydrophobic, which are believed to be the transmembrane
domain amino acids; and (4) the 21-amino acid carboxyl end which are believed to be
the amino acids forming part of the protein cytoplasmic fragment. This domain structure
of the human TF protein allows the production of, for example, the extracellular domain
of the protein or functional fragments thereof. The amino acid sequence of the human
TF protein is known and may be consulted in protein data bases such as, for example,
NCBI (hTF,Access number: P13726).
[0067] The term "lipidated TF" as used herein refers to any source of TF being this TF totally
or partially inserted in lipidic vesicles or cellular membranes. Illustrative, non-limiting
examples of "lipidated TF" sources are: lipidated TF containing extract (whose isolation
can be carried out from several tissues such as cerebral, placental and lung tissue,
tissue from different animals such as sheep, cows, rabbits, dogs, human beings, etc.);
purified and (re)-lipidated TF proteinaceous component (purified from an extract or
from a recombinant TF), i.e. what the lipid component has been added to after its
purification and which can be prepared, by way of an illustrative, non-limiting example,
according to the protocol previously described by Morrisey [see the example included
in this description]. In said protocol, non-lipidated TF is incorporated within phospholipid
vesicles using a non-ionic detergent, such as N-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, for
example. The lipids that can be used in lipidated TF according to the invention may
have any origin (animal, plant or synthetic). Virtually any lipid can be used in the
preparation of the lipidated TF of this invention. Illustrative, non-limiting examples
of lipids that can be used in the preparation of lipidated TF include phospholipids
(such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanol-amine, etc),
sphingolipids (such as ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate, inositolphosphate ceramide,
mannosyl-inositolphosphate ceramide, mannosyl-diinositolphosphate ceramide, etc),
phosphatidylinositol (such as L-α-phosphatidylinositol, L-α-lysophosphatidylinositol,
etc) and phosphatidylinositol phosphates (such as L-α-[phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate],1,2-dioctanol-sn-glycero-3-[phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate],
etc). The TF proteinaceous component:lipid ratio (molar, weight or volumetric) may
vary within a wide range, for example, from about 1:50,000 to about 1:3,000.
[0068] The term TF as used herein includes several wild-type TF variants and mutants maintaining
at least one of the functions of the wild-type TF, advantageously, at least one of
the functions of the wild-type TF relating to coagulation.
[0069] In a particular embodiment the lipidated TF used for putting the invention into practice
is lipidated human TF and consists of TF obtained from tissue extracts; or TF consists
in the purified proteinaceous component of tissue extracts and inserted in a lipid
component (with a molar ratio protein:lipid of about 1:8700; or TF consists of recombinant
TF (rTF) obtained by a process as is described, only as an illustrative but not limitative
example, in
US Patent 6,261,803. The obtention of extracts and purification of TF can be carried out from several
tissues such as cerebral, placental and lung tissue, and from different animals such
as sheep, cows, rabbits, dogs, and humans.
[0070] The term "functional fragment of lipidated TF" as it is used in this description
includes although is not limited to peptide derivatives of TF, particularly of the
proteinaceous component of TF, including mutants and variants of the proteinaceous
5 component of wild-type TF, which maintain one or more TF functions, preferably functions
relating to coagulation, for example the capability of binding to the FXa and/or to
NCIS and of developing their antihemorrhagic and vessel forming function during wound
healing. The amino acid sequence of said functional fragment of TF can be identical
to that of a fragment of the proteinaceous component of wild-type TF or may have insertions,
deletions or modifications of one or more amino acids, with the condition that at
least one of the functions of wild-type TF are preserved, advantageously at least
one function related to coagulation. For the sake of simplicity, the term "lipidated
TF" as it is used herein includes any functional fragment of lipidated TF.
[0071] The proteinaceous component of the TF used in carrying out this invention may further
be part of a fusion protein. In this sense, said fusion protein may contain a region
A, consisting of the TF protein or a functional fragment of said TF protein, bound
to a region B consisting of another fragment of TF. Said region B is bound to the
amino-terminus region of said TF protein or of said fragment of the TF protein, or
alternatively said region B may be bound to the carboxyl-terminus region of said TF
protein or of said fragment of the TF protein. Both regions A and B may be directly
bound or bound through a linker polypeptide between said regions A and B. The fusion
protein may be obtained either by chemical synthesis or by means of gene expression
of the nucleotide sequence encoding for said fusion protein in suitable host cells.
[0072] The term "topical treatment" as used herein refers to the application of the treatment
directly at the site where it is required, for example, in discontinuous sections
of skin (cuts, etc.) and vascular tissue (ruptured vessels, etc.).
[0073] According to this invention and as shown in the example included in this description,
lipidated TF acts as a stimulator of FXa increasing its proteolytic activity, and
accordingly prothrombin production, and it can therefore be used to treat or correct
hemorrhagic disorders, particularly those hemorrhagic disorders associated with hemorrhagic
diathesis.
[0074] The term "hemorrhagic diathesis" refers to the process causing a hemostasic disorder
and which as a result gives rise to the occurrence of a hemorrhagic syndrome which
may occasionally occur with extended and excessive bleeding. Hemorrhagic diathesis
may be caused by a congenital or acquired coagulopathy and/or by a congenital and
acquired platelet disorder.
[0075] The term "coagulopathy" refers to a coagulation factor disorder. This disorder may
be due to a specific coagulation factor deficiency or deficit, the consequence of
which will be the occurrence of a hemorrhagic syndrome, or due to a coagulation factor
disorder. The coagulopathy may generally be a congenital coagulopathy or an acquired
coagulopathy.
[0076] As illustrative, non-limiting examples of congenital coagulopathies, deficiencies
of coagulation factors selected from FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXII, FXIII and their
combinations, can be mentioned.
[0077] Acquired coagulopathies may have different origins. Illustrative examples include
coagulation factor synthesis deficiencies in severe hepatic failure, anticoagulant
therapy (such as heparin, low molecular weight heparins, warfarin, coumarin derivatives,
dicoumarins, etc.). An alternative mechanism is based on an exaggerated consumption
of coagulation factors such that they are not available to form the clot in a bleeding
lesion. This mechanism occurs in the disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome
or coagulopathy due to consumption occurring in multiple illnesses such as in severe
sepsis damaging the microcirculation endothelium activating platelets and coagulation
factors with the formation of multiple microthrombi; in blood invasion by TF such
as placental release; in the retention of a dead fetus; in multiple traumas with the
crushing of tissues; in poisonous snake bites, etc. In vasculitis, parietal and endothelial
damage releases coagulation activators. The consumption of coagulation factors is
worsened by lysis of the fibrin of numerous microthrombi due to the action of plasmin
with PDF release, which are antiplatelets and anticoagulants.
[0078] The term "platelet disorder" refers to a disorder both in the number and in functional
ability of platelets, the result of which is the occurrence of a hemorrhagic syndrome.
Said platelet disorder may be congenital or acquired.
[0079] In a particular embodiment, said platelet disorder is a congenital platelet disorder.
Illustrative, non-limiting examples of congenital platelet disorders include Glanzmann's
disease, Bernard Soulier disease, Bolin-Jamieson syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome,
Paris-Trousseau-Jacobsen syndrome, X chromosome thrombocytopenia, Gray platelet syndrome,
Sebastian syndrome and Fanconi anemia.
[0080] In another particular embodiment said platelet disorder is an acquired platelet disorder.
Illustrative, non-limiting examples of acquired platelet disorders include myeloproliferative
disorders, such as thrombocythemia, polycythemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia, etc.;
there are functional platelet disorders in myeloid metaplasia with increased bleeding
time, glass bead retention defects, platelet aggregation defect, abnormal release,
and platelet factor III defect. Functional platelet defects have been found in dysproteinemias
in scurvy and in congenital heart disease and cirrhosis.
[0081] The terms "acquired coagulopathy" and "acquired platelet disorder" refers to the
origin of disorder, which may be iatrogenic or secondary to other disease.
[0082] The term "subject" as used herein includes any member of an animal species, including
the human species; by way of an illustrative, non-limiting example, said subject can
be a mammal, such as a primate, a domestic animal, a rodent, etc., said subject is
preferably a man or woman of any age and race. In a particular embodiment said subject
is a human being with no history of hemostasis disorders, such as an individual having
no coagulopathics or platelet disorders. In another particular embodiment said subject
is a human being having a history of hemostasis disorders, such as an individual having
hemorrhagic diathesis, for example, a coagulopathy, such as a congenital or acquired
coagulopathy, or a platelet disorder, such as a congenital or acquired platelet disorder.
[0083] Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the invention relates to the use of lipidated
TF with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from trangenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

in the preparation of a drug for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging in a human
being with no history of hemostasis disorders. In another particular embodiment the
invention relates to the use of lipidated TF with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from trangenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

in the preparation of a drug for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging in a human
being having a hemorrhagic diathesis.
[0084] For administration to the subject, the lipidated TF will be formulated in a pharmaceutical
form suitable for its topical administration for topical (local) treatment of hemorrhaging.
Illustrative, non-limiting examples of said pharmaceutical forms include aerosols,
solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, salves, creams, dressings, patches, ointments,
mouthwashes, etc. To that end the pharmaceutical formulation comprising lipidated
TF will include the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients required for
preparing the chosen pharmaceutical administration form (for more information see
the section relating to "Pharmaceutical Composition" in this description).
[0085] The lipidated TF dose to be administered to the subject may vary within a very broad
range, for example, between about 0.01 µg of active protein/ml and 100 µg of active
protein/ml. The lipidated TF dose to be administered will depend on several factors,
including among them the features of the TF protein used, such as for example, its
activity and biological half life, concentration of the TF protein in the formulation,
the clinical condition of the subject or patient, the hemorrhagic disorder to be treated,
etc. (for more information see the section relating to "Pharmaceutical Composition"
in this description).
II. Combination Products and Applications
II.1 lipidated TF + FXa
[0086] As it is known, in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation TF binds to circulating
FVII/FVIIa to form the TF::FVII complex and, in the presence of calcium, to act as
a substrate so that FX activation takes place. Activation of the extrinsic pathway
involves the interaction of TF with its ligand, FVII/FVIIa. This complex, TF::FVIIa,
acts as a substrate so that FX activation by FVIIa takes place. Now the inventors
have surprisingly found that lipidated TF together with FXa, even in FVII-deficient
subjects, induces coagulation, such that lipidated TF acts as an FXa stimulator, allowing
this serine protease to initiate prothrombin hydrolysis, to produce prothrombin and
for the origin of coagulation to take place. As used herein, "FXa", refers to a protein,
particularly a serine protease, which in its active form is responsible for initiating
prothrombin hydrolysis and accordingly gives rise to the beginning of coagulation.
This proteolysis is performed by FXa binding to the activated platelet surface and,
in the presence of FVa and ionic calcium, hydrolyzing prothrombin.
[0087] More specifically, the inventors have surprisingly found that the combination of
lipidated TF and FXa, even at such low FXa concentrations that they are incapable
of inducing coagulation on their own, coagulates plasma [see, for example, sections
1 (1.5), and 2 of the results of the example included in this description].
[0088] Therefore, in another aspect, the invention relates to a product comprising (i) lipidated
TF and (ii) FXa. Based on the previously mentioned results, said product can be used
as a drug, and it can particularly be used in the treatment of hemorrhaging, for example,
in the topical treatment of hemorrhaging, in a subject. Said components (i) and (ii)
can be together or separate. In a particular embodiment, the lipidated TF used in
the preparation of this product is lipidated human TF.
[0089] In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising (i) lipidated
TF and (ii) FXa. Both components can be combined and be together in the same composition
before their administration to the subject.
[0090] In another particular embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising, separately,
(i) lipidated TF and (ii) FXa. In another particular embodiment the invention provides
a product comprising, separately, (i) lipidated TF and (ii) FXa, as a combination
for their simultaneous or successive administration to a subject. The combined administration
of said components (i) and (ii) to the subject can be carried out simultaneously or
sequentially, spaced out in time, in any order, i.e. first lipidated TF and then FXa
can be administered, or viceversa. Alternatively, said lipidated TF and FXa can be
simultaneously administered.
[0091] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. For more information
see the section relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description.
[0092] The lipidated TF and FXa dose to be administered to the subject may vary within a
wide range. By way of illustration, the lipidated TF dose to be administered may be
comprised between about 0.01 µg of active protein/ml and 100 µg of active protein/ml.
Also, by way of illustration, the FXa dose to be administered may be comprised between
about 17 pM and 17 nM (0.001 µg of active protein/ml and 10 µg of active protein/ml).
Generally, the lipidated TF and FXa doses to be administered will depend on several
factors, including the characteristics of the TF protein used and the FXa, such as
for example, their activity and biological half life, the concentration of the FXa
and TF protein in the formulation, the clinical condition of the subject or patient,
the hemorrhagic disorder to be treated, etc. (for more information see the section
relating to the "Phannaceutical Composition" of this description).
[0093] The weight ratio of the lipidated TF and FXa present in said product may vary within
a wide range; by way of illustration, said TF:FXa weight ratio is comprised between
10
6:1 and 10:1, although other weight ratios are also possible; in a particular embodiment
said product of the invention comprises lipidated TF and FXa at a weight ratio of
1 to 0.001, i.e. for each milligram of TF protein there is 1 microgram FXa protein
present in the mixture.
[0094] The use of the product previously defined as a drug, specifically the use of said
product in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject,
particularly for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject, constitute further
aspects of this invention.
II.2 Lipidated TF + NCIS
[0095] The inventors have also surprisingly found that the combination of lipidated TF and
negatively charged inorganic surfaces (NCIS) coagulates plasma and blood of healthy
subjects and of coagulation factor-deficient patients both
in vitro [see sections 1 (1.4), 2 (2.2), 3 (3.4), 4 (4.2) and 5 (5.2 and 5.4) of the results
of the example included in this description] and
in vivo [see sections 6.1 of the results of the example included in this description].
[0096] The term "negatively charged inorganic surface" or "NCIS" as used in this description
are constituted by a mixture of lipids and a blood coagulation accelerators, such
as ellagic acid, zeolite, silica, inorganic oxide materials, etc. The lipids have
net negative charge, what means that the lipidic mixture can include neutral or zwiterionic
lipids, but it must contain a certain amount of negatively charged lipids that confers
anionic character to the mixture. By way of an illustrative, non limiting example,
negatively charged lipids can be sphingolipids (such as ceramide-1-phosphates, glicosilated
phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated or non hydroxylated sulfatides, gangliosides,
etc.) and glycerol-based lipids (such as phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols,
phosphatidylinositol phosphates, phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylglicerols, cardiolipins).
In the present patent application, the commercially available Dade® Actin® products
(Dade Behring, trademark) was used as a source of NCIS.
[0097] Therefore, in another aspect, the invention relates to a product comprising (i) lipidated
TF and (ii) a NCIS. Based on the previously mentioned results, said product can be
used as a drug, and it can particularly be used in treatment of hemorrhages, for example,
in the topical treatment of hemorrhaging, in a subject. Said components (i) and (ii)
can be together or separate.
[0098] In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising (i) lipidated
TF and (ii) a NCIS. Both components can be combined and be together in the same composition
before their administration to the subject.
[0099] In another particular embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising, separately,
(i) lipidated TF and (ii) NCIS. In another particular embodiment the invention provides
a product comprising, separately, (i) lipidated TF and (ii) NCIS, as a ) combination
for their simultaneous or successive administration to a subject. The combined administration
of said components (i) and (ii) to the subject can be carried out simultaneously or
sequentially, spaced out in time, in any order, i.e. first the lipidated TF and then
the NCIS can be administered, or viceversa. Alternatively, said lipidated TF and NCIS
can be simultaneously administered.
[0100] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said ) carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. For more information
see the section relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description.
[0101] The lipidated TF and NCIS dose to be administered to the subject may vary within
a wide range. By way of illustration, the lipidated TF dose to be administered may
be comprised between about 0.01 µg of active protein/ml and 100 µg of active protein/ml.
Also, by way of illustration, the NCIS dose (by volume) to be administered may be
comprised between about 0.1 and 100 µl for each µg of lipidated TF actived protein.
Generally, the lipidated TF and NCIS doses to be administered will depend on ) several
factors, including the characteristics of the TF protein used and the NCIS, such as
for example, their activity and biological half life, the concentration of the TF
protein and NCIS in the formulation, the clinical condition of the subject or patient,
the hemorrhagic disorder to be treated, etc. (for more information see the section
relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description).
[0102] The weight/volume (w/v) ratio of lipidated TF and NCIS present in said product may
vary within a wide range; by way of illustration said lipidated TF:NCIS w/v ratio
is comprised between 1:1 and 1:10
6, although other w/v ratios are also possible; in a particular embodiment, said product
of the invention comprises between 0.1 and 100 µl of NCIS for each µg of lipidated
TF active protein.
[0103] The use of the product previously defined as a drug, specifically the use of said
product in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhages in a subject,
particularly for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject, constitute further
aspects of this invention.
II.3 Lipidated TF + FXa + NCIS
[0104] The inventors have also surprisingly found that the combination of lipidated TF,
FXa and NCIS coagulates plasma and blood of healthy subjects and of coagulation factor-deficient
patients
in vitro [see sections 1 (1.6) and 2 (2.2) of the results of the example included in this
description].
[0105] Therefore, in another aspect, the invention relates to a product comprising (i) lipidated
TF, (ii) FXa and (iii) NCIS. Based on the previously mentioned results, said product
can be used as a drug, and it can particularly be used in the treatment of hemorrhages,
for example, in the topical treatment of hemorrhaging, in a subject. Said components
(i), (ii) and (iii) can be together or separate. Alternatively, two of the components
can be together, for example, (i) + (ii), (i) + (iii) or (ii) +(iii), and the third
one separate.
[0106] In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising (i) lipidated
TF, (ii) FXa and (iii) NCIS. Said components can be combined and be together in the
same composition before their administration to the subject.
[0107] In another particular embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising, separately,
(i) lipidated TF, (ii) FXa and (iii) NCIS. In another particular embodiment the invention
provides a product comprising, separately, (i) lipidated TF, (ii) FXa and (iii) NCIS,
as a combination for their simultaneous or successive administration to a subject.
The combined administration of said components (i), (ii) and (iii) to the subject
can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially, spaced out in time, in any order,
i.e. first the lipidated TF, then the FXa, and then the NCIS can be administered,
or first the lipidated TF, then the NCIS, and then the FXa can be administered, or
first the FXa, then the lipidated TF, and then the NCIS can be administered, or first
the FXa, then the NCIS, and then the lipidated TF can be administered, or first the
NCIS, then the FXa, and then the lipidated TF can be administered, or first the NCIS,
then the lipidated TF and then the FXa can be administered. Alternatively, any two
of said components can be mixed in the same composition and be administered together
while the third one can be added before or after said binary component composition.
In another alternative embodiment said lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS are simultaneously
administered.
[0108] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. For more information
see the section relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description.
[0109] The lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS dose to be administered to the subject may vary within
a wide range. By way of illustration, the lipidated TF dose to be administered may
be comprised between about 0.01 µg of active protein/ml and 100 µg of active protein/ml.
Also, by way of illustration, the FXa dose to be administered may be comprised between
about 17 pM and 170 nM (0.001 µg of protein and 10 µg of protein/ml). Additionally,
by way of illustration, the NCIS dose (by volume) to be administered may be comprised
between about 0.1 and 100 µl for each µg of lipidated TF active protein. Generally,
the lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS doses to be administered will depend on several factors,
including the characteristics of the TF protein, FXa and NCIS used, such as for example,
their activity and biological half life, the concentration of the TF protein, FXa
and NCIS in the formulation, the clinical condition of the subject or patient, the
hemorrhagic disorder to be treated, etc. (for more information see the section relating
to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description).
[0110] The weight ratio of the lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS present in said product may vary
within a wide range, as previously mentioned in sections II.1 and II.2; nevertheless,
in a particular embodiment, said product of the invention comprises lipidated TF:FXa:NCIS
at a 1:0.001:100 (w:w:v) ratio.
[0111] The use of the product previously defined as a drug, specifically the use of said
product in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhages in a subject,
particularly for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject, constitute further
aspects of this invention.
III. Complexes and Applications
III.1 TF::FXa complex
[0112] As previously mentioned (see section II.1 of this description), the inventors have
found that the combination of lipidated TF and FXa, even at such low FXa concentrations
that they are incapable of inducing coagulation on their own, coagulates plasma. Though
it is not intended to be linked to any theory, it is thought that the administration,
either combined or separate (in any order), of said lipidated TF and FXa gives rise
to the formation of a complex that is able to exercise the therapeutic effect (antihemorrhagic,
particularly, topical antihemorrhagic) observed at the site where said therapeutic
effect must be exercised.
[0113] Therefore, in another aspect, the invention relates to a complex, identified as TF::FXa
in this description, comprising-lipidated TF and FXa. Although for the sake of simplicity
said complex is represented as TF::FXa, said complex could actually be formed by several
units of each of said components; all these possibilities are within the scope of
the invention. In view of the previously mentioned results, said complex can be used
as a drug, and it can particularly be used in the treatment of hemorrhages for example,
in the topical treatment of hemorrhaging, in a subject. In a particular embodiment,
the lipidated TF used in the preparation of this complex is lipidated human TF.
[0114] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. For more information
see the section relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description.
[0115] The lipidated TF and FXa doses present in said complex to be administered to the
subject may vary within a wide range. Generally, said doses correspond to the doses
previously mentioned in section II.1 relating to a product comprising lipidated TF
and FXa.
[0116] The weight ratio of the lipidated TF and FXa present in said TF::FXa complex may
vary within a wide range; although it generally corresponds to that previously mentioned
in II.1 relating to a product comprising lipidated TF and FXa.
[0117] The use of the complex previously defined as a drug, specifically the use of said
complex in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject,
particularly for the topical treatment of hemorrhages in a subject, constitute further
aspects of this invention.
III.2 TF::NCIS Complex
[0118] As previously mentioned (see section II.2 of this description), the inventors have
found that the combination of lipidated TF and NCIS coagulates plasma and blood in
healthy subjects and in coagulation factor-deficient patients both
in vitro and
in vivo. Though it is not intended to be linked to any theory, it is thought that the administration,
either combined or separate (in any order), of said lipidated TF and NCIS gives rise
to the formation of a complex that is able to exercise the therapeutic effect (antihemorrhagic,
particularly, topical antihemorrhagic) observed at the site where said therapeutic
effect must be exercised.
[0119] Therefore, in another aspect, the invention relates to a complex, identified as TF::NCIS
in this description, comprising lipidated TF and NCIS. Although for the sake of simplicity
said complex is represented as TF::NCIS, said complex could actually be formed by
several units of each of said components; all these possibilities are within the scope
of the invention. In view of the previously mentioned results, said complex can be
used as a drug, and it can particularly be used in the treatment of hemorrhages for
example, in the topical treatment of hemorrhaging, in a subject. In a particular embodiment,
the lipidated TF used in the preparation of this complex is lipidated human TF.
[0120] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. For more information
see the section relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description.
[0121] The lipidated TF and NCIS doses present in said complex to be administered to the
subject may vary within a wide range. Generally, said doses correspond to the doses
previously mentioned in section II.2 relating to a product comprising the combination
of lipidated TF and NCIS.
[0122] The w/v ratio of the lipidated TF and NCIS present in said TF::NCIS complex may vary
within a wide range; although it generally corresponds to that previously mentioned
in II.2 relating to a product comprising lipidated TF and NCIS.
[0123] The use of the complex previously defined as a drug, specifically the use of said
complex in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhages in a subject,
particularly for the topical treatment of hemorrhaging in a subject, constitute further
aspects of this invention.
III.3 Lipidated TF::FXa::NCIS Complex
[0124] As previously mentioned (see section II.3 of this description), the inventors have
found that the combination of lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS coagulates plasma. Though
it is not intended to be linked to any theory, it is thought that the administration,
either combined or separate (in any order), of said lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS gives
rise to the formation of a complex that is able to exercise the therapeutic effect
(antihemorrhagic, particularly, topical antihemorrhagic) observed at the site where
said therapeutic effect must be exercised. Therefore in another aspect, the invention
relates to a complex, identified as TF::FXa::NCIS in this description, comprising
lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS. Although for the sake of simplicity said complex is represented
as TF::FXa::NCIS, said complex could actually be formed by several units of each of
said components, as well as by any possibility of interactions between said components,
for example, TF::NCIS::FXa, FXa::NCIS::TF, FXa::TF::NCIS, NCIS::TF::FXa or NCIS::FXa::TF;
all these possibilities are within the scope of the invention. In view of the previously
mentioned results, said complex can be used as a drug, and it can particularly be
used in the treatment of hemorrhaging, for example, in the topical treatment of hemorrhaging,
in a subject. In a particular embodiment, the lipidated TF used in the preparation
of this complex is lipidated human TF.
[0125] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. For more information
see the section relating to the "Pharmaceutical Composition" of this description.
[0126] The lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS present in said complex to be administered to the
subject may vary within a wide range. Generally, said doses correspond to the doses
previously mentioned in section II.3 relating to a product comprising the combination
of lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS.
[0127] The ratio of lipidated TF, FXa and the NCIS present in said TF::FXa::NCIS complex
may vary within a wide range; although it generally corresponds to that previously
mentioned in II.3 relating to a product comprising lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS.
[0128] The use of the complex previously defined as a drug, specifically the use of said
complex in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of hemorrhages in a subject,
particularly for the topical treatment of hemorrhages in a subject, constitute further
aspects of this invention.
IV. Pharmaceutical Composition
[0129] As previously mentioned, lipidated TF with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof;
obtained from transgenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

can be used as an antihemorrhagic agent, particularly, as an antihemorrhagic agent
for topical application. Therefore in another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical
composition, hereinafter, pharmaceutical composition of the invention, comprising
lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a particular
embodiment, the lipidated TF is lipidated human TF.
[0130] For its administration to a subject, the previously defined product will be formulated
in a pharmaceutical administration form, preferably a pharmaceutical administration
form suitable for its topical administration, to which end the pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers and excipients suitable for the preparation of the desired pharmaceutical
administration form will be incorporated. Information about said carriers and excipients,
as well as about said administration forms suitable for the administration of said
product of the invention, can be found in galenic pharmacy treatises. A review of
the different pharmaceutical administration forms of drugs in general, and of their
preparation processes, can be found in the book "
Tratado de Farmacia Galénica" ("Galenic Pharmacy Treatise"), by C. Fauli i Trillo,
1st Edition, 1993, Luzán 5, S.A. of Ediciones.
[0131] Although different pharmaceutical administration forms of the lipidated TF could
be used, administering said compound topically is most advantageous in practice, therefore
said lipidated TF will be formulated in a pharmaceutical form suitable for its topical
administration. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of said pharmaceutical forms include
aerosols, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, salves, creams, dressings, patches,
ointments, mouthwashes, etc. To that end the pharmaceutical formulation comprising
lipidated TF will include the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients
required for preparing the pharmaceutical administration form of lipidated TF for
topical administration.
[0132] Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition of the invention
is a pharmaceutical composition for the topical administration of a lipidated TF,
with the proviso that:
- (i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from transgenic plants; and
- (ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E. coli having the sequence

comprising lipidated TF and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for the
topical administration of said lipidated TF.
[0133] Lipidated TF will be present in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention in
a therapeutically effective amount. Said amount may vary within a wide range, for
example, between about 0.01 µg of active protein/ml and 100 µg of active protein/ml.
[0134] In another particular embodiment the pharmaceutical composition of the invention
comprises:
- a) a product comprising (i) lipidated TF and (ii) FXa, together with a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier; or
- b) separately, (i) lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier, and (ii) FXa together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
- c) a product comprising (i) lipidated TF and (ii) an NCIS, together with a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier; or
- d) separately, (i) lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,
and (ii) an NCIS together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
- e) a product comprising (i) lipidated TF, (ii) FXa and (iii) an NCIS, together with
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
- f) separately, (i) lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,
(ii) FXa together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and (iii) an NCIS together
with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
- g) a TF::FXa complex together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
- h) a TF::NCIS complex together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; or
- i) a TF::FXa::NCIS complex together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0135] The previously defined pharmaceutical composition of the invention contains, as can
be seen, lipidated TF alone or combined with FXa and/or NCIS or forming complexes
with FXa and/or NCIS, as the active ingredient. In a particular embodiment, the lipidated
TF present in the previously defined pharmaceutical composition of the invention is
lipidated human TF.
[0136] Also, in a particular embodiment, the previously defined pharmaceutical composition
of the invention will be formulated in a pharmaceutical form for the topical administration
of the active ingredient (lipidated TF alone or combined with FXa and/or NCIS or forming
complexes with FXa and/or NCIS). Illustrative, non-limiting examples of said pharmaceutical
forms include aerosols, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, salves, creams, dressings,
patches, ointments, mouthwashes, etc. To that end, the pharmaceutical formulation
comprising the previously mentioned active ingredient will include the pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers and excipients required for the preparation of the pharmaceutical
administration form of said active ingredient by topical administration.
[0137] The active ingredient will be present in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention
in a therapeutically effective amount. The active ingredient dose to be administered
to a subject will depend, among other factors, on the severity of the pathology said
subject suffers from, on the chosen pharmaceutical administration form, etc. For this
reason the doses mentioned in this invention must be considered only as guides for
a person skilled in the art, and this person must adjust the doses according to the
previously mentioned variables. Nevertheless, the pharmaceutical composition of the
invention can be administered one or more times a day for preventive or therapeutic
purposes.
[0138] The pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be used together with other additional
drugs useful in the prevention and/or treatment of a hemorrhagic diathesis (e.g.,
coagulation factors, human plasma, etc.) to provide a combination therapy. Said additional
drugs can be part of the same pharmaceutical composition or, alternatively, they can
be provided in the form of a separate composition for their simultaneous or successive
(sequential in time) administration with respect to the administration of the pharmaceutical
composition of the invention.
V. Supported Pharmaceutical Composition
[0139] The pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be placed on a support. Therefore
in another aspect the invention relates to a product comprising the pharmaceutical
composition of the invention and a support. The term "support" as used herein refers
to a substrate of suitable material allowing depositing the pharmaceutical composition
of the invention thereon, its being carried and its release at the desired site, for
example, in the site where the pharmaceutical composition of the invention exercises
its therapeutic effect. Said support can be a solid support or a non-solid support,
for example, a liquid support or a gaseous support. Illustrative, non-limiting examples
of solid supports include dressings, band-aids, compresses, plasters, etc. Illustrative,
non-limiting examples of liquid supports include gels, sprays, mouthwashes, etc. Illustrative,
non-limiting examples of gaseous supports include air, propellants, etc. In a particular
embodiment the pharmaceutical composition of the invention deposited on said support
comprises:
- (a) (i) a support, (ii) a product comprising lipidated TF and FXa, together with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, (iii) a product comprising lipidated TF and an
NCIS, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and (iv) a product comprising
lipidated TF, FXa and an NCIS, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;
or
- (b) a TF::FXa complex, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or
- (c) a TF::NCIS complex, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or
- (d) a TF::FXa::NCIS complex, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0140] In a particular embodiment, the lipidated TF present in the pharmaceutical composition
of the invention is lipidated human TF.
[0141] This product comprising the pharmaceutical composition of the invention deposited
on a support can be obtained by conventional methods, for example, by mixing the pharmaceutical
composition of the invention and the support. The interaction between the pharmaceutical
composition of the invention and the support can be a physical or chemical interaction,
depending on the nature of the components of the pharmaceutical composition of the
invention and on the support used.
EXAMPLE
[0142] For the purpose of evaluating the capacity of lipidated TF as a stimulator of FXa,
a series of
in vitro and
in vivo assays were performed, specifically:
1. In vitro assays demonstrating that lipidated TF (alone and combined) acts as a direct stimulator
of FXa causing fibrin clot formation and blood coagulation in the absence of FVII
(caused by absence, deficiency or immunoblocking)
1.1 Lipidated TF increases FXa proteolytic activity and accordingly thrombin production
in the absence of FVII (chromogenic assays in solution, and in suspension of washed
platelets).
1.2 Lipidated TF is able to coagulate plasma and blood from FVII-deficient patients
(coagulation assays in plasma and in non-anticoagulated whole blood).
1.3 Lipidated TF is able to coagulate plasma healthy subjects in the presence of a
monoclonal antibody against FVII (coagulation assays).
1.4 Combination of lipidated TF and NCIS synergistically increase blood coagulation
in FVII deficient plasmas (coagulation assays).
1.5 Combination of lipidated TF and FXa synergistically increase blood coagulation
in the presence of monoclonal antibody against FVII)(coagulation assays in FX deficient
plasmas).
1.6 Combination of lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS synergistically increase coagulation
in the presence of antibody anti FVII (coagulation assay in FX deficient plasmas).
2. In vitro assays demonstrating that combination of lipidated TF with FXa at low concentrations
(unable to induce any procoagulant effects), causes coagulation of FX defective plasmas
2.1 Lipidated TF acts as a stimulator of FXa when this serine protease in present
at low concentrations.
2.2 Combination of lipidated TF with FXa and NCIS acts synergistically in the stimulation
of FXa.
3. in vitro assays demonstrating that lipidated TF (alone and combined) causes coagulation in
patients with deficiencies of other coagulation factors rather than FVII
3.1 Lipidated TF coagulates plasma and blood from patients with deficiencies in coagulation
factors FV, FVIII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII (coagulation assays in coagulation
factor-deficient plasmas and in non-coagulated whole blood from FVIII and FIX).
3.2 Lipidated TF coagulates whole blood and plasma previously heparinized.
3.3 Lipidated TF coagulates plasma from animals treated with warfarin.
3.4 Combination of lipidated TF with NCIS synergistically enhance blood coagulation
in plasma from patients with deficiencies in coagulation factors FV, FVIII, FVIII,
FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII (coagulation assays in coagulation factor-deficient
plasmas) and in whole blood from hemophilic patients.
4. In vitro assays demonstrating that lipidated TF (alone and combined) causes blood coagulation
in healthy subjects
4.1 Lipidated TF coagulates plasma and blood from healthy subjects.
4.2 Combination of lipidated TF with NCIS synergistically enhances blood coagulation
in plasma and blood from healthy subjects. Absence of synergic effects when lipidated
TF is associated with phospholipids.
5. In vitro assays demonstrating the coagulant effect of lipidated TF (alone and combined) in
plasma from patients with congenital and acquired (thrombocytopenic) platelet disorders
5.1 Lipidated TF coagulates plasma from patients with congenital platelet disorders.
5.2 Combination of lipidated TF with NCIS increase coagulation in whole blood from
patients with congenital platelet disorders.
5.3 Lipidated TF coagulates thrombocytopenic samples.
6. In vivo assays demonstrating that TF is an agent useful for topical antihemorrhagic treatment
in control rats (by applying directly alone or in combination with NCIS on the blood
vessel previously sectioned)
6.1 Lipidated TF (alone or combined with NCIS) is useful as a topical hemostatic agent
in a severe hemorrhage animal model by proximal section of rat tails.
6.2 Lipidated TF is useful as a topical hemostatic agent in a severe hemorrhage animal
model treated previously with heparin or warfarin.
6.3 Lipidated TF is useful as a topical hemostatic agent in a lethal hemorrhage animal
model by proximal section of rat tails.
I. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
[0143] As a source of lipidated TF were used human recombinant Tissue factor (rTF), Thromborel®
S, and Neoplastin® Plus. Specifically the following commercial preparations were used:
Human Recombinant Tissue Factor (Non-Lipidated) (American Diagnostica, USA), relipidated
following the method described by Morrissey; lyofilized human placental thromboplastin
containing calcium (Thromborel® S, Dade Behring Inc); lyophilized rabbit brain containing
calcium (Neoplastin® Plus, Diagnostica Stago-Roche).
[0144] Procoagulant activity of TF protein was determined by a standard curve using as reference
material human recombinant lipidated TF (American Diagnostica, USA), and was expressed
in the text as µg of active protein/ml and in the tables as µg/ml. For simplicity,
in this example, the term rTF or TF refers to lipidated TF unless otherwise stated.
Haematologic Technologies commercial compounds were used as sources of FXa, FII, and
FVa.Commercial Dade® Actin® FS reagent (Dade Behring) was used as NCIS. Commercial
Coagulation Factor deficient plasmas (FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII)
were purchased from Dade Behring Marburg GmbH.
Methods
Method for Relipidating TF in lipid Vesicles Using Dialysis with Octylglucoside (Morrisey
Method).
[0145] Non-lipidated TF is incorporated into lipid vesicles using non ionic detergent N-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside
(octylglucoside). Both TF and the lipids are dissolved in octylglucoside forming micelles.
Octylglucoside can be easily removed from the solution by dialysis due to its high
critical micelle concentration (CMC = 20 to 50 mM). When the octylglucoside is removed
the lipids are organized in unilamellar vesicles. TF is soaked in these vesicles by
virtue of its transmembrane domain. Normally, 50 to 80% of TF molecules are arranged
facing outwards from the vesicles.
Buffers and stock solutions
[0146] Octylglucoside (n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside) from Calbiochem.
Lipids:
[0147]
| |
Lipid |
Concentration |
Molecular weight |
| PC |
L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine |
10 or 25 mg/ml |
761 |
| PS |
L-alpha-phosphatidylserine, bovine brain sodium salt |
10 mg/ml |
810 |
| PE |
L-alpha-phosphatidylethanolamine, bovine liver |
10 mg/ml |
768 |
Buffers:
[0148]
| HBS |
| 100 mM NaCl |
| 20 mM Hepes/NaOH, pH 7.5 |
| 0.02 % (m/v) sodium azide |
| HBSA (keep at 4 °C) |
| Bovine serum albumin in 0.1 % (m/v) HBS |
| OG/HBS (prepare at time of use) |
| n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside in 100 mM HBS (29.2 mg OG/ ml of HBS) |
| For PC:PS vesicles (80:20 molar ratio) |
| 62 µl PC (at 25 mg/ml) |
= 1.58 mg |
= 2.08 µmol |
| 42 µl PS (at 10 mg/ml) |
= 0.42 mg |
= 0.52 µmol |
| For PC:PE:PC vesicles (40:40:20 molar ratio) |
| 32 µl PC (at 25 mg/ml) |
= 0.79 mg |
= 1.04 µmol |
| 80 µl PE (at 10 mg/ml) |
= 0.80 mg |
= 1.04 µmol |
| 42 µl PS (at 10 mg/ml) |
= 0.42 mg |
= 0.52 µmol |
Relipidating
[0149] Add the desired amount of TF to the tube containing the 400 µl of OG/lipids and enough
HBSA up to completing the final volume of 1 ml. Carry out this step at room temperature.
Obtaining washed platelet suspensions
[0150] Washed platelet suspensions were prepared according to the method described by Radomski
M. et al. (
Radomski M, Moncada S.; 1983 Thromb Res. This is an improved method for washing of human platelets with prostacyclin. 15;30(4):383-9)
from blood extractions (3.15% sodium citrate) from healthy volunteers. Processing
of the specimens was always carried out immediately after blood extraction and at
room temperature. Platelet activation and functionality states were assayed by means
of aggregation assays prior to and during the performance of the assays. Self-activation
and functionality were estimated by means of activation with a known agonist (collagen).
In vitro assays
Chromogenic assays
[0151] Different chromogenic assays were designed in solution and in activated platelet
suspensions to demonstrate the effect of rTF on factor Xa proteolytic activity.
[0152] FXa amidolytic activity was determined by means of a chromogenic assay using S-2765
(Chromogenix) as the chromogenic substrate for FXa, whereas thrombin forming activity
was analyzed using S-2238 (Chromogenix) as the chromogenic substrate for thrombin.
[0153] The chromogenic assays were performed in suspension (in buffer) and using washed
platelet suspensions. Suitable volumes of each one of the factors to be studied were
dispensed on an ELISA plate and, in the event of using the washed platelet suspension,
a suitable volume such as to have a concentration of 250,000 platelets/µl in the medium.
Finally, adding the specific chromogenic substrate allowed quantifying the proteolytic
activity in question by means of spectrophotometric readings at 405 nm. In the assays
for determining amidolytic activity only FXa and the different rTF concentrations
were dispensed, whereas in the assays for determining thrombin forming activity it
was necessary to further add factor II (prothrombin) and FVa (the latter only in the
case of assays in suspension, given that in the washed platelet assays these already
contained endogenous FVa).
Coagulation assays in plasma
[0154] Spontaneous procoagulant activity (unstimulated) in plasma was measured by means
of a coagulation assay with a certain step in a coagulometer (Fibrintimer BFT-II clot-timer
Dade-Behring, Germany). In short, 50 µl of platelet-poor plasma were added to the
already tempered cuvettes and 50 µl of distilled water were added. This mixture was
left to incubate for 60 seconds at 37°C and 50 µl of 25 mM calcium chloride were immediately
added and the coagulation time was determined in seconds in the coagulometer, verified
by formation of the clot. Each one of the samples was assayed in duplicate. Platelet-poor
plasmas were obtained by centrifugation procedure and number of platelets was determined
by Coulter.
Coagulation assays in whole blood
[0155] Procoagulant activity in non-anticoagulated whole blood was determined by means of
a coagulation method. The different agents to be studied were added to 1 ml of non-anticoagulated
whole blood and coagulation time was measured with a chronometer from the beginning
of the extraction until a stable and consolidated blood clot appeared. The effect
of the different agents was evaluated by means of their shortening or lengthening
of blood coagulation times.
In vivo assays
Severe hemorrhage model by rat tail proximal section
[0156] 23 Sprage-Dawley male rats weighing 350-450 grams were randomly distributed in 3
treatment groups: a control group, made up of 14 animals which received topical treatment
with physiological saline solution, whereas the other two groups, also made up of
5 animals, received topical treatment with 1.2 µg/ml rTF, and n= 4 topical treatment
with 1.2 µg/ml rTF + NCIS (vol:vol 1;2), respectively. All the compounds came into
topical contact with the proximal section of the animal's tail to hemostastically
act dispensed by a plastic eppendorf pipette. Formation of the stable and consolidated
clot was evidenced by means of confirmation of no further bleeding.
Severe hemorrhage model by rat tail proximal section in animals treated with anticoagulant
drugs
[0157] 27 Sprage-Dawley male rats weighing 350-450 grams were randomly distributed in 5
treatment groups: a control group, made up of 14 animals which received topical treatment
with physiological saline solution. Two groups received 200 U/Kg of heparin i.v. 15
minutes before to start tail transection procedure (to be treated with TF n=3, and
to be treated with Saline n=5), and other two groups received orally 0.1 mg/kg/day
of warfarin during three days before to start tail transection procedure(to be treated
with TF n=3 and to be treated with saline, n=2). Topical treatment with 1.2 µg/ml
rTF was administered to only one of each treatment group. Therefore, it was a control
treated group for each anticoagulation treatment. Lipidated TF came into topical contact
with the proximal section of the animal's tail to hemostastically act dispensed by
a plastic eppendorf pipette. Formation of the stable and consolidated clot was evidenced
by means of confirmation of no further bleeding.
Lethal hemorrhage model by puncture in the carotid artery of rats
[0158] 4 male Sprage-Dawley rats weighing 350-450 grams were randomly distributed in 2 treatment
groups each including 2 animals. The control group animals received physiological
saline solution as treatment, whereas the other group received lipidated TF administered
topically (at the final dose of 2 µg of active protein). Lethal hemorrhage model by
puncture in the carotid artery of rats was carried out following standard procedures.
Lipidated TF and the physiological saline solution were administered directly on the
point of the puncture in a dressing containing 3 ml of each. This was combined with
the pressure and contact of the corresponding treatment during two minutes.
II. RESULTS
1. In vitro assays demonstrating that lipidated TF (alone and combined) acts as a direct stimulator
of FXa causing fibrin clot formation and blood coagulation in the absence of FVII
(caused by absence, deficiency or immunoblocking)
1. 1. Lipidated TF increases FXa proteolytic activity and accordingly thrombin production
in the absence of FVII
[0159] Several
in vitro assays were performed for the purpose of evaluating lipidated TF capacity as a factor
Xa stimulating agent in the absence of FVII: (i) chromogenic assays for FXa amidolytic
activity in solution; and (ii) chromogenic assays for thrombin forming activity in
washed platelet suspension.
Chromogenic assays for FXa amidolytic activity
[0160] Direct assays for FXa amidolytic activity in solution using FXa-specific substrate
S-2765, demonstrated that lipidated TF is able to very significantly increase FXa
proteolytic activity. In the presence of high rTF concentrations (1 µg/ml) an increase
of activity produced by low and high FXa concentrations (p<0.001) was observed. Similar
significant stimulating effects (p<0.001) were observed in the presence of lower lipidated
TF concentrations (0.1 µg/ml). Table 1 shows the results obtained in 5 independent
experiments.
Table 1
| Lipidated TF, in the absence of FVII, increases FXa proteolytic activity in the absence
of FVII |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Without rTF |
rTF 0.1 µg/ml |
rTF 1 µg/ml |
| FXa 30 nM |
550 ± 51 |
2,108 ± 61 |
3,316 ± 89 |
| FXa 5 nM |
0 |
341 ± 32 |
505 ± 63 |
| |
Mean ± SEM (n= 5) |
|
Chromogenic assays for thrombin forming activity in washed platelet suspensions
[0161] The
procoagulant effect detected was much greater when platelet suspensions were used as the source
of the
procoagulant surface and thrombin formation was determined by means of specific substrate S-2238
(table 2). In the absence of exogenous FXa, lipidated TF produced a significant stimulating
effect on thrombin formation (p<0.001). Similar stimulating effects were observed
in the presence of exogenous FXa both at low and high concentrations (p<0.001).
Table 2
| Lipidated TF induces thrombin formation in washed platelets in the presence of FII
but in the absence of FVa (already present in platelets) and FVII |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Without rTF |
rTF 0.1 µg/ml |
rTF 1 µg/ml |
| FXa 1,250 pM |
421 ± 19 |
13,854 ± 145 |
14,910 ± 168 |
| FXa 250 pM |
213 ± 21 |
9,324 ± 155 |
9,610 ± 114 |
| FXa 125 pM |
201 ± 29 |
7,802 ± 113 |
8,508 ± 178 |
| FXa absent |
0 |
906 ± 89 |
3,504 ± 69 |
| |
Mean ± SEM (n = 5) |
|
1.2. Lipidated TF is able to coagulate plasma and blood from FVII-deficient patients
(coagulation assays in plasma and in non-anticoagulated whole blood)
[0162] A series of
in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulating effect of lipidated TF
in plasma and non-anticoagulated whole blood from FVII-deficient patients and, therefore,
lipidated TF is a useful agent for antihemorrhagic treatment.
Coagulation assays in commercially FVII depleted plasma and non-anticoagulated whole
blood from FVII deficient patients
[0163] The effect of lipidated TF on coagulation was investigated by means of coagulation
assays using commercially
FVII depleted plasma and non-anticoagulated whole blood from 2 patients with FVII-deficiency
(table 3). Lipidated TF in a concentration-dependent manner was able to significantly
accelerate coagulation in defective FVII plasmas. In the same way, non-anticoagulated
whole blood from FVII-deficient patients were also coagulated in the presence of low,
medium and high lipidated TF concentrations, indicating that it is able to produce
normal coagulation by lipidated TF even in the absence of FVII. Table 3 shows the
results obtained from 5 independent experiments for depleted FVII plasmas.
Table 3
| Demonstration of the procoagulant effect of lipidated TF in FVII-deficient plasmas |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Coagulation time (s) |
| |
Basal |
With rTF |
|
|
| |
|
1 µg/ml |
0.1 µg/ml |
0.01 µg/ml |
| Normal plasma |
215.1 ± 24.6 |
11.1 ± 0.2 |
15.3 ± 0.2 |
25.7 ± 0.4 |
| FVII-deficient plasma |
> 300 |
67.7 ± 7.2 |
113.7 ± 28.3 |
202.7 ± 41.6 |
| Mean ± SEM (n = 5) |
|
|
|
|
[0164] The effect of lipidated TF on blood from healthy volunteer was significant after
the concentration of 0.01 µg/ml, whereas greater concentrations were necessary in
FVII-deficient patients (table 4). Although significant
procoagulant effects (p<0.001) being detected after 0.1 µg/ml, lipidated TF was able to normalize
coagulation time at the concentration of 0.01 µg/ml, there being no differences between
coagulation times detected in normal subjects at basal conditions and in FVII-deficient
subjects with said lipidated TF concentration. Finally, although lipidated TF at 1
µg/ml was not able to induce the same strong procoagulant effect in FVII depleted
plasma a very significant 5 effect was observed, which indicates that lipidated TF
can normalize hemostasis in these patients.
Table 4
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF in non-anticoagulated whole blood from healthy
and FVII-deficient individuals |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Basal |
rTF |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
0.01 ng/ml |
0.1 ng/ml |
1 ng/ml |
10 ng/ml |
100 ng/ml |
| Control sample no. 1 |
5.8 |
4.7 |
4.4 |
3.3 |
2.1 |
1.3 |
| Control sample no. 2 |
7.2 |
6.7 |
5.5 |
3.7 |
2.1 |
1.0 |
| Patient no. 6 FVII-deficient |
11.4 |
n.d. |
10.5 |
9.5 |
5.2 |
2.3 |
| Patient no. 7 FVII-deficient |
12.5 |
n.d |
11.3 |
10.5 |
6.3 |
3.1 |
1.3.Lipidated TF is able to coagulate plasma healthy subjects in the presence of a
5 monoclonal antibody against FVII (coagulation assays)
[0165] In vitro coagulation assays were perfonned showing the coagulating effect of lipidated TF
in plasma in healthy subjects in the presence of a monoclonal antibody against FVII
(this antibody is able to block coagulation in normal plasmas).
Coagulation assays in normal plasma depleted of FVII by blocking with anti FVII
[0166] The effect of lipidated TF on plasma coagulation was investigated by means of coagulation
assays using plasmas from healthy volunteers in the presence of a monoclonal antibody
against FVII (table 5). Lipidated TF was able to cause coagulation even in the presence
of a monoclonal antibody against FVII, (which is able to inhibit completely blood
coagulation). Under these experimental conditions (like FVII- deficient samples),
lipidated TF is able to produce plasma coagulation.
Table 5
| Demonstration of the procoagulant effect of TF in normal plasma in the presence of
a monoclonal antibody against FVII |
| |
|
|
| |
Without rTF |
With rTF 1 µg/ml |
| Normal plasma |
126,8 |
28,1 |
| Normal plasma with anti FVII (400 µg/ml) |
216,8 |
42,5 |
1.4. Combination of lipidated TF and NCIS synergistically increase blood coagulation
in FVII deficient plasmas (coagulation assays)
[0167] A series
of in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulant effect of lipidated TF associated
with negatively charged inorganic surfaces [NCIS] in FVII defective plasma. Said procoagulant
effect exceeded the one obtained when lipidated TF was used alone as a procoagulant
agent. These results show that the effect mediated by lipidated TF is independent
of FVII and is able to induce plasma coagulation even in the absence of its specific
ligand. Table 6 shows the results obtained in 5 independent experiments.
Table 6
| Procoagulant effect of rTF associated with negatively charged inorganic surfaces in
heparinized and coagulation factor-deficient plasmas |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Coagulation time (s) |
|
|
| |
Basal |
With rTF |
| |
- |
1 µg/ml |
1 µg/ml + NCIS |
| Normal plasma |
211.1 ± 18.5 |
18.6 ± 0.1 |
13 ± 1.2* |
| FVII deficient plasma |
> 300 |
67 ± 11 |
32 ± 3.4* |
| Mean ± SEM (n = 5); *p<0.001 without NCISvs. with NCIS; t-Student |
1.5. Combination of lipidated TF and FXa synergistically increase blood coagulation
in the presence of monoclonal antibody against FVII (coagulation assays in FX deficient
plasmas)
[0168] The procoagulant effects of the association of lipidated TF and FXa at low concentrations
(170 pM and 1700 pM) in the absence of FVII were investigated in FXa deficient-plasma
immunoblocked with anti FVII (Table 7).
Table 7
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF associated with FXa in FXa deficient- plasma in
the absence of FVII (immunoblocked with anti FVII) |
| FXa deficient-plasma |
Coagulation time (s) |
| |
Without FXa |
With FXa (1700 pM) |
With FXa (170 pM) |
| Basal (5 mM calcium) |
> 400 |
133 ± 18 |
290 ± 10.2 |
| Plus rTF I µg/ml |
253,5 ± 11 |
83,1 ± 3.2* |
124 ± 6.1* |
| Plus rTF I µg/ml + anti FVII (400 µg/ml) |
234,5 ± 9 |
78 ± 2* |
124 ± 6.1* |
| Mean ± SEM (n = 5); *p<0.001 without FXa vs. FXa. t-Student |
) 1.6. Combination of lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS synergistically increase blood coagulation
in the presence of monoclonal antibody against FVII (coagulation assays in FX deficient
plasmas)
[0169] The procoagulant effects of the association of lipidated TF, FXa at low concentrations
(170 pM and 1700 pM) and NCIS were also were investigated in FXa deficient-plasma
(Table 8).
Table 8
| Prucoagulant effect of rTF associated with FXa and NCIS in FXa deficient- plasma |
| FXa deficient-plasma |
Coagulation time (s) |
| |
|
With NCIS (1 µl) |
With NCIS (2 µl) |
| Basal (5 mM calcium) |
> 400 |
> 400 |
290 ± 10.2 |
| rTF 1 µg/ml + FXa (170 pM) |
124 ± 6.1* |
109 ± 4.1* |
84 ± 3* |
| rTF 1 µg/ml + FXa (1700 pM) |
83,1 ± 3.2* |
65,5 ± 5.2* |
45,5 ± 3.2* |
| rTF 1 µg/ml + FXa (170 pM) + anti FVII (400 µg/ml) |
119 ± 5* |
101 ± 5* |
99 ± 3* |
| rTF 1 µg/ml + FXa (1700 pM) + anti FVII (400 µg/ml) |
78 ± 2 |
27.7 ± 1.2 |
25 ± 2 |
| Mean ± SEM (n = 5); * p<0.001 without NCIS vs. NCIS. t-Student |
2. In vitro assays demonstrating that combination of lipidated TF with FXa at low concentrations
(unable to induce any procoagulant effects), causes coagulation of FX defective plasmas
2.1. Lipidated TF acts as a stimulator of FXa when this serine protease in present
at low concentrations
[0170] In vitro coagulation assays were performed in coagulation FX deficient plasma to show the
synergistic effect of lipidated TF on FXa (added at low concentrations, 170 pM and
1700 pM, to FX deficient plasma, therefore these plasmas are unable to produce FXa
from any coagulation pathway). The procoagulant effects of the association of lipidated
TF and FXa at low concentrations are shown in Table 9.
Table 9
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF associated with FXa in FXa deficient- plasma |
| FX deficient-plasma |
Coagulation time (s) |
|
|
| |
Without FXa |
With FXa (1700 pM) |
With FXa (170 pM) |
| Basal (5 mM calcium) |
> 400 |
133 ± 18 |
290 ± 10.2 |
| Plus rTF 1 µg/ml |
253,5 ± 11 |
83,1 ± 3.2* |
124 ± 6.1* |
| Mean ± SEM (n = 5): *p<0.001 without FXa vs. FXa. t-Student |
2.2. Combination of lipidated TF with FXa and NCIS acts synergistically in the stimulation
of FXa
[0171] The procoagulant effects of the association of lipidated TF, FXa at low concentrations
(170 pM and 1700 pM) and NCIS were also were investigated in FX deficient-plasma (Table
10).
Table 10
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF associated with FXa and NCIS in FXa deficient-
plasma |
| FX deficient-plasma |
Coagulation time (s) |
|
| |
|
With NCIS (1 µl) |
With NCIS (2 µl) |
| Basal (5 mM calcium) |
> 400 |
> 400 |
290 ± 10.2 |
| rTF 1 µg/ml + FXa (170 pM) |
124 ± 6.1* |
109 ± 4.1* |
84 ± 3* |
| rTF 1 µg/ml + FXa (1700 pM) |
83,1 ± 3.2* |
65,5 ± 5.2* |
45,5 ± 3.2* |
| Mean ± SEM (n = 5); *p<0.001 without NCISvs. NCIS; t-Student |
3. In vitro assays demonstrating that lipidated TF (alone and combined) causes blood coagulation
in patients with deficiencies in other coagulation factors rather than FVII.
3.1. Lipidated TF coagulates plasma and blood from patients with deficiencies in coagulation
factors FV, FVIII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII
[0172] The procoagulant effect of lipidated TF (alone) on coagulation factor-deficient plasmas
was investigated using commercial plasmas depleted by means of immunoaffinity techniques,
as well as plasma from 3 patients diagnosed with hemophilia A (FVIII-deficient) and
2 diagnosed with hemophilia B (FIX-deficient). Table 11 shows the results. At the
concentration of 1 µg/ml lipidated TF was able to effectively coagulate all the plasmas
with deficiencies in FV, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII and FXIII. On the other hand, in
the absence of the known FXa cofactor, FVa, lipidated TF was also able to produce
plasma coagulation, although only at high and medium concentrations. In the remaining
coagulation factor deficiencies, lipidated TF was effective at all the concentrations
used, with excellent results being obtained at very low concentrations. Even in the
absence of FX (1%) lipidated TF was able to coagulate but only at high concentrations.
All these results were confirmed with samples from patients with hemophilia A and
hemophilia B.
Table 11
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF in coagulation factor-deficient plasmas |
| |
Coagulation time (s) |
| |
Without rTF |
|
With rTF |
|
| |
- |
1 µg/ml |
0,1 µg/ml |
0,01 µg/ml |
| Normal plasma |
215.1 ± 24.6 |
11.1 ± 0.2 |
15.3 ± 0.2 |
25.7 ± 0.4 |
| FV-D plasma |
> 600 |
84.3 ± 15.2 |
123.3 ± 24.5 |
350 ± 29.5 |
| FVIII-D plasma |
> 600 |
15.5 ± 2.3 |
21.5 ± 2.8 |
32.1 ± 2.6 |
| FIX-D plasma |
> 600 |
14.8 ± 3.2 |
22.3 ± 2.5 |
34.6 ± 2.4 |
| FX-D plasma |
> 600 |
446.2 ± 32 |
> 600 |
> 600 |
| FXI-D plasma |
> 600 |
14.3 ± 0.5 |
19.4 ± 1.5 |
27.3 ± 0.6 |
| FXII-D plasma |
> 600 |
16.2 ± 0.3 |
22.5 ± 1.1 |
32.5 ± 0.5 |
| FXIII-D plasma |
> 600 |
14.2 ± 0.3 |
21.5 ± 1.0 |
30.5 ± 0.5 |
| Hemophilia A plasma |
> 600 |
12.2 ± 1.5 |
13.8 ± 0.6 |
21.3 ± 0.8 |
| Hemophilia B plasma |
> 600 |
12.1 ± 0.5 |
15.3 ± 0.4 |
26.8 ± 0.6 |
[0173] The procoagulant effect of lipidated TF (alone) in human non-anticoagulated whole
blood from people suffering from hemophilia A and B, was evaluated by means of a coagulation
assay. Clot formation was determined by estimating the time in minutes for the clot
to consolidate. The effect of lipidated TF in blood from healthy volunteers was significant
from concentrations of 0.001 µg/ml, whereas greater doses were required in hemophilic
patients, significant procoagulant effects (p<0.001) being detected from 0.01 µg/ml.
At the concentration of 0.1 µg/ml lipidated TF was able to completely normalize coagulation
time, there being no differences between the coagulation times detected in normal
subjects and hemophilic subjects. Table 12 shows the results obtained from 4 samples
from healthy individuals (sample numbers 1-4), 3 from patients suffering hemophilia
A and 2 with hemophilia B.
Table 12
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF in non-anticoagulated whole blood from healthy
subjects and Hemophilic patients |
| |
Basal |
|
rTF |
|
| |
|
0.001 µg/ml |
0.01 µg/ml |
0.1 µg/ml |
| Sample control no. 1 |
5.8 |
3.3 |
2.1 |
1.3 |
| Sample control no. 2 |
7.2 |
3.7 |
2.1 |
1.0 |
| Sample control no. 3 |
7.2 |
4.2 |
2.1 |
0.9 |
| Sample control no. 4 |
7.5 |
3.8 |
2.0 |
1.0 |
| Patient no. 1 Hemophilia A |
13.3 |
8.0 |
4.6 |
1.6 |
| Patient no. 2 Hemophilia A |
17.3 |
9.0 |
5.6 |
1.0 |
| Patient no. 3 Hemophilia A |
15.3 |
12.4 |
7.0 |
1.5 |
| Patient no. 4 Hemophilia B |
20.5 |
11.1 |
6.1 |
1.5 |
| Patient no. 5 Hemophilia B |
16.3 |
11.3 |
5.5 |
1.6 |
| 5 Coagulation time (expressed in minutes): the time the clot takes to consolidate
in a non-anticoagulated blood sample |
3.2. Lipidated TF coagulates whole blood and plasma previously heparinized
[0174] Lipidated TF was able to coagulate plasmas (table 13) and whole non anticoagulated
blood (table 14) previously incubated with high heparin concentrations, demonstrating
that its effect on FXa is independent of the inhibitory effect mediated by this anticoagulant
drug and, even in the presence of heparin-type inhibitors
Table 13
| Effect of lipidated TF on heparinized plasma (coagulation time in seconds) |
| |
|
|
| |
Without lipidated TF |
With lipidated TF |
| Control |
320,4 ± 160 |
17.2 ± 1 |
| Heparin 3 U/ml |
> 600 |
58 ± 12 |
Table 14
| Effect of lipidated TF on heparinized whole blood (coagulation time in min) |
| |
|
|
| |
Without lipidated TF |
With lipidated TF |
| Control |
3.96 ± 0.54 |
0.4 ± 0.28 |
| Heparin 0.25 U/ml |
12.45 ± 0.69 |
15.7 ± 0.22 |
| Heparin 1 U/ml |
26.6 ± 5.76 |
4.5 ± 2.38 |
3.3. Lipidated TF coagulates plasma from animals treated with warfarin
[0175] Lipidated TF was able to coagulate plasmas from warfarin treated rats following the
procedure detailed in the methods. The results show in the table 15 indicate that
even when the synthesis of all vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors are abolished
, lipidated TF is able to coagulate, demonstrating that its effect on FXa is independent
of 5 the inhibitory effect mediated by this anticoagulant drugs.
Table 15
| Effect of lipidated TF on plasma from warfarin-treated animals (coagulation time in
seconds) |
| |
|
|
| |
Without lipidated TF |
With lipidated TF (1 µg/ml) |
| Control |
49 ± 10.2 |
10,9 ± 2.2 |
| Warfarin-treated plasmas (0.1 mg/kg for 3 days) |
60,1 ± 5.6 |
12,8 ± 3.2 |
3.4. Combination of lipidated TF with NCIS synergistically enhance blood coagulation
in plasma from patients with deficiencies in coagulation factors FV, FVIII, FVIII,
FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII (coagulation assays in coagulation factor-deficient
plasmas) and in whole blood from hemophilic patients
[0176] A series
of in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulant 5 effect of lipidated TF
associated with NCIS in plasma from coagulation factor-deficient patients (FV, FVII,
FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII). Said procoagulant effect exceeded the one obtained
when lipidated TF was used alone as a procoagulant agent. Even at low concentrations
(1 µg/ml) with which lipidated TF was not able to coagulate the FV-deficient plasma
(FV-D plasma), the combination of both agents produced a significant procoagulant
effect. Likewise, similar synergistic effects were obtained when FVII-deficient plasma
(FVII-D plasma) was used. These results show that the effect mediated by lipidated
TF is independent of FVII and is able to induce plasma coagulation even in the absence
of FV. Similarly, the combination (lipidated TF + NCIS) also exerted potent procoagulant
effects in plasma samples from hemophilic patients (A and B). Table 16 shows the results
obtained in 5 independent experiments.
Table 16
| Procoagulant effect of rTF associated with NCIS in coagulation factor-deficient plasmas |
| |
Coagulation time (s) |
| |
Without rTF |
With rTF |
| |
- |
1 µg/ml |
1 µg/ml + NCIS |
| Normal plasma |
281.1 ± 12.5 |
11.1 ± 0.2 |
9.1 ± 0.4 * |
| FV-D plasma |
> 600 |
84.3 ± 15.2 |
55.2 ± 2.3 * |
| FVIII-D plasma |
> 600 |
15.5 ± 2.3 |
10.1 ± 0.5 * |
| FIX-D plasma |
> 600 |
14.8 ± 3.2 |
10.3 ± 0.2 * |
| FX-D plasma |
> 600 |
446.2 ± 32 |
253.5 ± 19 * |
| FXI-D plasma |
> 600 |
14.3 ± 0.5 |
11.5 ± 0.6 * |
| FXII-D plasma |
> 600 |
16.2 ± 0.3 |
12.9 ± 1.5 * |
| FXIII-D plasma |
> 600 |
14.2 ± 0.3 |
10.8 ± 0.9 * |
| Hemophilia A plasma |
> 600 |
12.2 ± 1.5 |
10.4 ± 0.9 * |
| Hemophilia B plasma |
> 600 |
12.1 ± 0.5 |
10.1 ± 0.8 * |
Mean ± SEM (n = 5); *p<0.001 without NCIS vs with NCIS; t-Student
[0177] The procoagulant effect in non-anticoagulated whole blood of lipidated TF and NCIS
combination was also investigated by means of coagulation assays using blood from
patients suffering hemophilia A (3 patients) and B (2 patients). By comparison with
the assays in which lipidated TF was alone (table 12), the procoagulant effect of
the association (rTF + NCIS) was significantly (p<0.001) greater (table 17).
Table 17
| Procoagulant effect of rTF together with NCIS in whole blood |
| |
Without NCIS |
With NCIS |
| Sample control |
7.1 ± 0.6 |
6.0 ± 1.4 * |
| rTF 0.1 µg/ml |
1.1 ± 0.9 |
0.5 ± 0.1 * |
| |
|
|
| |
Basal |
rTF 0.1 µg/ml + NCIS |
| Patient no. 1 Hemophilia A |
13.3 |
6.8 * |
| Patient no. 2 Hemophilia A |
17.3 |
7.2 * |
| Patient no. 3 Hemophilia A |
15.3 |
9.1 * |
| Patient no. 4 Hemophilia B |
20.5 |
8.5 * |
| Patient no. 5 Hemophilia B |
16.3 |
8.6 * |
| Coagulation time (expressed in the time the clot takes to consolidate in a non-anticoagulated
blood sample |
4. In vitro assays demonstrating that lipidated TF (alone and combined) causes blood coagulation
in healthy subjects
4.1. Lipidated TF coagulates plasma and blood from healthy subjects
[0178] A series
of in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulant effect of lipidated TF in
plasma and non anticoagulated whole blood from healthy volunteers without histories
of hemostasic disorders. Table 18 shows the results obtained from 5 independent experiments
in healthy plasmas and table 19 in non anticoagulated whole blood.
Table 18
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF in plasma from healthy subjects |
| |
|
| Normal plasma |
Coagulation time (s) |
| Basal |
281.08 ± 12.5 |
| rTF 0.0001 µg/ml |
201 ± 12.2 |
| rTF 0.0001 µg/ml |
184 ± 5.8 |
| rTF 0.01 µg/ml |
73.5 ± 2.3 |
| rTF 0.1 µg/ml |
28.6 ± 0.1 |
| rTF 1 µg/ml |
16.4 ± 0.9 |
Mean ± SEM (n = 5)
non-lipidated TF at the same concentrations was unable to modify coagulation time |
Table 19
| Procoagulant effect of TF in non anticoagulated blood from healthy subjects |
| |
Basal |
|
rTF |
|
| |
|
0.01 µg/ml |
0.1 µg/ml |
1 µg/ml |
| Sample no. 1 |
5.8 |
3.3 |
2.1 |
1.3 |
| Sample no. 2 |
7.2 |
3.7 |
2.1 |
1.0 |
| Sample no. 3 |
7.2 |
4.2 |
2.1 |
0.9 |
| Sample no. 4 |
7.5 |
3.8 |
2.0 |
1.0 |
4.2. Combination of lipidated TF with NCIS synergistically enhances blood coagulation
in plasma and blood from healthy subjects. Absence of synergic effects when lipidated
TF is associated with phospholipids
[0179] A series
of in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulant effect of rTF associated
with NCIS in plasma from healthy volunteers. Table 20 shows the results obtained from
5 independent experiments. By comparison with the assays in which rTF was alone, the
procoagulant effect of the association (rTF + NCIS) was significantly (p<0.001) greater
in each and every one of the concentrations used.
Table 20
| Procoagulant effect of lipidated TF associated with NCIS in normal plasma |
| |
|
|
| Normal plasma |
|
Coagulation time (s) |
| |
Without NCIS |
With NCIS |
| Basal |
281.08 ± 12.5 |
167 ± 10* |
| rTF 0.0001 µg/ml |
201 ± 12.2 |
69 ± 0.8* |
| rTF 0.001 µg/ml |
184 ± 5.8 |
44.9 ± 3.2* |
| rTF 0.01 µg/ml |
73.5 ± 2.3 |
30.6 ± 2.5* |
| rTF 0.1 µg/ml |
28.6 ± 0.1 |
16 ± 4.2* |
| rTF 1 µg/ml |
16.4 ± 0.9 |
12.8 ± 0.5* |
Mean ± SEM (n = 5); *p<0.001 without NCIS vs. with NCIS; t-Student
[0180] Table 21 shows the absence of synergic effects when lipidated TF is associated with
phospholipids. (0.66 mM of PC/PS; phosphatydilcholine/phosphatydilserine at differentmolar
ratio).
Table 21
| Effect of phospholipids on lipidated TF procoagulant activity |
| |
|
| Lipidated TF (0.1 µg/ml) |
Coagulation time (s) |
| Without PC/PS |
37.9 |
| With PC/PS 90/10 |
44 |
| 80/20 |
39.7 |
| 70/30 |
41.7 |
| 60/40 |
40.1 |
| 50/50 |
43.5 |
| 40/60 |
34.6 |
| 30/70 |
41.5 |
| 20/80 |
44.3 |
| 10/90 |
41.9 |
5. In vitro assays demonstrating the coagulant effect of lipidated TF (alone and combined) in
blood from patients with congenital and acquired (thrombocytopenic) platelet disorders.
5.1. Lipidated TF coagulates whole blood from patients with congenital platelet disorders
[0181] The procoagulant effect of lipidated TF on blood coagulation in patients with platelet
disorders was investigated by means of coagulation assays using blood from 2 patients
suffering Glanzmann's disease and Bernard Soulier syndrome. rTF was able to very significantly
accelerate, and in a concentration-dependent manner, blood coagulation in individuals
suffering from Glanzmann's disease and Bernard Soulier syndrome (Table 22); rTF is
therefore a useful agent for the antihemorrhagic treatment of said individuals.
Table 22
| Procoagulant effect of TF in patients with platelet disorders |
| |
Basal |
rTF |
| |
|
0.01 µg/ml |
0.1 µg/ml |
1 µg/ml |
| Sample control no. 1 |
5.8 |
3.3 |
2.1 |
1.3 |
| Patient no. 6 Glanzmann's dis. |
13.6 |
7.3 |
3.4 |
2.9 |
| Patient no. 7 Bernard-Soulier S. |
11.9 |
7.1 |
4.1 |
3.1 |
5.2. Combination of lipidated TF with NCIS increases coagulation in whole blood from
patients with congenital platelet disorders
[0182] A series of
in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulant effect of rTF associated
with NCIS in whole blood from patients with congenital platelet disorders. Table 23
shows the results obtained from two patients with Glanzmann's disease and Bernard-Soulier
Syndrome. By comparison with the assays in which rTF was alone, the procoagulant effect
of the association (rTF + NCIS) was significantly (p<0.001) greater in each patient.
Table 23
| Procoagulant effect of rTF together with NCIS in whole blood |
| |
Without NCIS |
With NCIS |
| Sample control |
7.1 ± 0.6 |
6.0 ± 1.4* |
| rTF 0.1 µg/ml |
1.1 ± 0.9 |
0.5 ± 0.1* |
| |
Basal |
rTF 0.1 µg/ml + NCIS |
| Patient no. 6 Glanzmann's dis. |
13.6 |
4.7* |
| Patient no. 7 Bernard-Soulier S. |
11.9 |
4.6* |
| Coagulation time (expressed in minutes): the time the clot takes to consolidate in
a non-anticoagulated blood sample. *p<0.001 without NCIS vs. NCIS. t-Student |
5.3. Lipidated TF coagulates thrombocytopenic samples
[0183] A series of
in vitro coagulation assays were performed showing the coagulant effect of lipidated TF in
plasmas with different platelet count. Table 24 shows the results obtained from normal
platelet count to thrombocytopenic conditions..
Table 24
| Effect of lipidated TF on thrombocytopenic samples |
| |
|
|
| Platelet count |
Without lipidated TF |
With lipidated TF (1 µg/ml) |
| 350,000/µl |
226.3 |
21.9 |
| 150,000/µl |
232.6 |
22.8 |
| 50,000/µl |
253.9 |
22.4 |
| 9,000/µl |
321.2 |
21.3 |
| < 1,000/µl |
> 400 |
21.3 |
6. In vivo assays demonstrating that TF is an agent useful for topical antihemorrhagic treatment
in control rats (by applying directly on the blood vessel previously sectioned)
6.1. Lipidated TF is useful as a topical hemostatic agent in a severe hemorrhage animal
model by proximal section of rat tails
[0184] In vivo assays were performed showing that lipidated TF administered alone or associated
with NCIS is a useful agent for topical antihemorragic treatment. The use of lipidated
TF as a topical hemostatic agent administered alone or combined NCIS was evaluated
by means of the use of a severe hemorrhage in an animal model by proximal section
of rat tails. The results obtained are shown in Table 25. As can be seen, in said
severe hemorrhage model, the hemorrhage spontaneously coagulated in the control animals
(PSS Control, treated with physiological saline solution) at 18.1 ± 5.98 minutes;
however, topical administration of lipidated rTF (alone) produced a significant reduction
(11.1 ± 5.54 minutes, p<0.001). When rTF was administered in combination with NCIS
the procoagulant effect was even greater (5.0 ± 1.1 minutes; p<0.001).
Table 25
| Severe hemorrhage model by proximal section of rat tails. Bleeding coagulation time |
| |
Bleeding coagulation time |
| Control Saline group (n=14) |
18.16 ± 5.98 |
| Lipidated TF treated group (n=5) |
11,1 ± 5.5 |
| Lipidated TF + NCIS (n=4) |
5.0 ± 1.1 |
| The results are epressed as the time in minutes to reach consolidated coagulation. |
[0185] Under the same experimental conditions non-lipidated TF (n=3) was evaluated. No effects
were observed and bleeding coagulation time was similar to the control animals. These
results indicate that non-lipidated TF was not useful to treat topically bleeding
episodes.
6.2 Lipidated TF is useful as a topical hemostatic agent in a severe hemorrhage animal
model treated previously with heparin or warfarin
[0186] In vivo assays were performed showing that lipidated TF administered alone is a useful agent
for topical antihemorragic treatment in anticoagulant conditions (table 25). The use
of lipidated TF as a topical hemostatic agent administered alone was evaluated by
means of the use of a severe hemorrhage in an animal model by proximal section of
rat tails treated previously with 200 U/Kg of heparin i.v. 15 minutes before to start
tail transection procedure, or with orally 0.1 mg/kg/day of warfarin during three
days before to start tail transection procedure. The results obtained are shown in
Table 26. As can be seen, in said severe hemorrhage model, the control saline group,
treated with physiological saline solution, spontaneously coagulated at 18.1±5.98
minutes. Control heparin-treated group hemorrhage did not spontaneously coagulate
(> 90 minutes). Control warfarin-treated group spontaneously coagulated at 41,6 ±
8.5 minutes. Table 26 shows that topical administration of lipidated TF (alone) produced
a significant reduction in all treatment groups.
Table 26
| Severe hemorrhage model by proximal section of rat tails in anticoagulated treated
animals. Bleeding coagulation time |
| |
|
| |
Bleeding coagulation time (min) |
| Control Saline group (n=14) |
18.16 ± 5.98 |
| Control heparin-treated group (n=5) |
> 90 |
| Control warfarin-treated group (n=2) |
41.6 ± 8.5 |
| Heparin-treated group (n=3) + lipidated TF |
26,3 ± 2,5 |
| Warfarin-treated group (n=3) + lipidated TF |
4.5 ± 2.5 |
| The results are expressed as the time in minutes to reach consolidated coagulation |
6.3. Lipidated TF is useful as a topical hemostatic agent in a lethal hemorrhage animal
model by puncture in carotid artery
[0187] In vivo assays were performed showing that rTF administered alone is a useful agent for topical
antihemorrhagic treatment directly applied on the blood vessel. The use of rTF administered
alone was evaluated by means of the use of a lethal hemorrhage in an animal model
by puncture in the carotid artery. The results obtained are shown in Table 27 and
were very significant. As can be seen, in the group of control animals, (PSS Control,
treated with physiological saline solution), all the animals died from bleeding, whereas
in the group of lipidated TF no animal died and the section could be successfully
sealed and coagulated in all cases. The treatment was effective in terms of the time
necessary to achieve the stable coagulation and sealing of the puncture wound.
Table 27
| Lethal hemorrhage model by puncture in carotid artery of rats |
| |
Control SF |
|
rTF |
| animal no. 1 |
Death |
animal no. 3 |
125 |
| animal no. 2 |
Death |
animal no. 4 |
135 |
| Mean ± SD |
|
|
130 ± 7.1 |
| The results are expressed as the time in seconds to reach consolidated coagulation
and sealing of the puncture wound. rTF administered as is indicated in the text at
the dose of 2 µg active protein). |
In conclusion:
Results from Example number 1 clearly demonstrate that:
[0188]
- 1) In the absence of its ligand, FVII, lipidated TF is able to interact directly with
FXa significantly increasing its proteolytic activity (both amidolytic and thrombin
forming), this results show for the first time a new role for lipidated TF, acting
as a new cofactor for FXa (independent of the well known FVa).
- 2) Lipidated TF is able to coagulate FVII defective plasmas. Therefore, lipidated
TF is a good alternative for the treatment of these patients (at the present the unique
treatment is the expensive human recombinant FVIIa).
- 3) Lipidated TF acts synergistically with NCIS and FXa (at low concentrations unable
to produce coagulation).
Results from Example number 2 clearly demonstrate that:
[0189]
- 1) Lipidated TF causes that physiological FXa concentrations, unable to produce any
significant procoagulant effect, trigger prothrombin hydrolysis and consequently thrombin
formation takes place.
- 2) Lipidated TF has a new role acting as a cofactor for all proteolytic activities
of all forms of FXa (soluble and bound to prothrombinase complex).
- 3) Even FX defective plasmas (containing traces of FX) may be coagulated by lipidated
TF. Therefore, lipidated TF is a good alternative for the treatment of these patients.
- 4) Lipidated TF acts synergistically with NCIS in the stimulation effect of FXa activity.
Results from Example number 3 clearly demonstrate that:
[0190]
- 1) Lipidated TF is able to cause blood coagulation in Hemophilic patients (FVIII,
FIX and FXI). Therefore, lipidated TF is a good alternative for the treatment of these
patients.
- 2) Lipidated TF is able to cause blood coagulation even in the absence of FV. These
results clearly show that lipidated TF causes a strong stimulatory effect on FXa,
because in the absence of its cofactor (deficient FV plasmas), lipidated TF acts as
cofactor causing the same stimulatory effect.
- 3) Lipidated TF is able to cause blood coagulation even in the FX defective plasmas
(containing traces of FX). Therefore, lipidated TF is an alternative for the treatment
of these patients.
- 4) Lipidated TF is able to cause blood coagulation in heparin and warfarin treated
plasmas, indicating, that lipidated TF interferes in the effect of antithrombin III
and probably through its stimulatory effect on FXa basal concentrations may coagulate
even in warfarin treated conditions.
- 5) Finally, lipidated TF acts synergistically with NCIS in the procoagulant effect
observed in all factor coagulation deficiencies.
Results from Example number 4 clearly demonstrate that:
[0191]
- 1) Lipidated TF is able to cause blood coagulation in Healthy subjects. Therefore,
lipidated TF is a good alternative for the treatment of bleeding episodes in healthy
subjects.
- 2) Lipidated TF acts synergistically with NCIS but not with only phospholipids in
the procoagulant effect observed in healthy subjects.
Results from Example number 5 clearly demonstrate that:
[0192]
1) Lipidated TF is able to cause blood coagulation in patients with platelet disorders,
such as congenital and acquired (i.e. thrombocytopenia). Therefore, lipidated TF is
a good alternative for the treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with alterations
of platelet number and/or functionality.
Results from Example number 6 clearly demonstrate that:
[0193]
- 1) Lipidated TF topically administered is able to stop bleeding in an animal model
of severe hemorrhage (proximal total tail transection).
- 2) Lipidated TF topically administered is able to stop bleeding in an animal model
of severe hemorrhage (proximal total tail transection) complicated with anticoagulant
therapy (heparin or warfarin).
- 3) Lipidated TF topically administered is able to stop bleeding in an animal model
of lethal hemorrhage (carotid puncture in carotid artery).
1. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof for
use in the topical treatment of haemorrhages in a subject,
with the proviso that:
(i) the lipidated TF is not a recombinant mammalian TF or a functional fragment thereof
obtained from transgenic plants and
(ii) the lipidated TF is not a lipidated TF having 70% PC and 30% PS and comprising
TF produced in E.coli having the sequence

2. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 1 wherein the subject is a healthy subject.
3. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof
for use in the topical treatment of haemorrhages in a subject, wherein said subject
is a subject with a hemorrhagic diathesis, where said hemorrhagic diathesis comprises
a coagulopathy and/or a platelet disorder.
4. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 3, wherein said coagulopathy is a congenital coagulopathy or an acquired
coagulopathy
5. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 4, wherein said congenital coagulopathy is a coagulopathy based on a deficiency
of a coagulation factor chosen from coagulation Factor V, coagulation Factor VII,
coagulation Factor VIII, coagulation Factor IX, coagulation Factor X, Factor XI, coagulation
Factor XII, coagulation Factor XIII and combinations thereof
6. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 4, wherein said subject has an acquired coagulopathy produced by an anticoagulant
treatment with anticoagulants.
7. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 6, wherein the anticoagulants are heparin, low molecular weight heparins,
warfarin, coumarin derivatives or dicoumarins.
8. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 3, wherein said subject has a congenital or acquired platelet disorder.
9. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 8, wherein said congenital platelet disorder is selected from Glanzamnn's
disease, Bernard Soulier syndrome, Bolin-Jamieson's syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome,
Paris-Trousseau-Jacobsen syndrome, thrombocytopenia of the X chromosome, the Gray
platelet syndrome, Sebastian syndrome and Fanconi anemia.
10. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 8, wherein said acquired platelet disorder is selected from a myeloproliferative
disorder, such as thrombocytemia, polycytemia, or chronic myelocytic leukemia; myeloid
metaplasia; disproteinemias in scurvy, in congenital heart disease and in cirrhosis.
11. A lipidated tissue factor (TF), or of a lipidated functional fragment thereof according
to claim 1, wherein said lipidated TF is lipidated human TF.
12. A product comprising (i) lipidated TF and (ii) activated coagulation Factor X (FXa)
separately or as a combination for use in their simultaneous or successive administration
to a subject.
13. A product comprising (i) lipidated TF and (ii) a negatively charged inorganic surface
(NCIS) either separately or as a combination for use in their simultaneous or successive
administration to a subject, wherein the NICS is a mixture of a lipid and a blood
coagulation accelerator, wherein the blood coagulation accelerator is selected from
the group of ellagic acid, zeolite, silica and inorganic oxide materials and wherein
the lipid is selected from the group of a sphingolipid and a glycerol-based lipid,
wherein the sphingolipid is selected from the group of ceramide-1-phosphate, glycosilated
phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated or non hydroxylated sulfatides and a gangliosides
and wherein the glycerol-based lipid is selected from the group of phosphatidylserine,
phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglicerols,
and cardiolipin.
14. A product comprising (i) lipidated TF, (ii) FXa and (iii) NCIS either separately or
as a combination for use in their simultaneous or successive administration to a subject,
wherein the NICS is a mixture of a lipid and a blood coagulation accelerator, wherein
the blood coagulation accelerator is selected from the group of ellagic acid, zeolite,
silica and inorganic oxide materials and wherein the lipid is selected from the group
of a sphingolipid and a glycerol-based lipid, wherein the sphingolipid is selected
from the group of ceramide-1-phosphate, glycosilated phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated
or non hydroxylated sulfatides and a gangliosides and wherein the glycerol-based lipid
is selected from the group of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol
phosphate, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglicerols, and cardiolipin.
15. A product for use according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein said lipidated TF is
lipidated human TF.
16. A product for use according to any of claims 12 to 15, as a medicament.
17. A product according to any of claims 12 to 15 for use in the treatment of hemorrhages
in a subject.
18. A product according to any of claims 12 to 15 for use in the topical treatment of
hemorrhages in a subject.
19. A complex (TF::FXa) comprising lipidated TF and FXa.
20. A complex TF::NCIS comprising lipidated TF and NCIS, wherein the NICS is a mixture
of a lipid and a blood coagulation accelerator, wherein the blood coagulation accelerator
is selected from the group of ellagic acid, zeolite, silica and inorganic oxide materials
and wherein the lipid is selected from the group of a sphingolipid and a glycerol-based
lipid, wherein the sphingolipid is selected from the group of ceramide-1-phosphate,
glycosylated phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated or non hydroxylated sulfatides
and a gangliosides and wherein the glycerol-based lipid is selected from the group
of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate, phosphatidic
acid, phosphatidylglicerols, and cardiolipin.
21. A complex TF::FXa::NCIS comprising lipidated TF, FXa and NCIS, wherein the NICS is
a mixture of a lipid and a blood coagulation accelerator, wherein the blood coagulation
accelerator is selected from the group of ellagic acid, zeolite, silica and inorganic
oxide materials and wherein the lipid is selected from the group of a sphingolipid
and a glycerol-based lipid, wherein the sphingolipid is selected from the group of
ceramide-1-phosphate, glycosylated phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated or non hydroxylated
sulfatides and a gangliosides and wherein the glycerol-based lipid is selected from
the group of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate,
phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglicerols, and cardiolipin.
22. A complex according to any of claims 19 to 21 for use as a medicament.
23. A complex according to any of claims 19 to 21 for use in the treatment of hemorrhages
in a subject.
24. A complex according to any of claims 19 to 21 for use in the topical treatment of
hemorrhages in a subject.
25. A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
(a) a product according to claim 12, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle;
or
(b) separately, (i) lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
and (ii) FXa together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle; or
(c) a product according to claim 13, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
or
(d) separately, (i) lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
and (ii) NCIS together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle;
wherein the NICS is a mixture of a lipid and a blood coagulation accelerator, wherein
the blood coagulation accelerator is selected from the group of ellagic acid, zeolite,
silica and inorganic oxide materials and wherein the lipid is selected from the group
of a sphingolipid and a glycerol-based lipid, wherein the sphingolipid is selected
from the group of ceramide-1-phosphate, glycosylated phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated
or non hydroxylated sulfatides and a gangliosides and wherein the glycerol-based lipid
is selected from the group of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol
phosphate, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglicerols, and cardiolipin;
or
(e) a product according to claim 14, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
or
(f) separately, (i) lipidated TF together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
(ii) FXa together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, and (iii) NCIS together
with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle wherein the NICS is a mixture of a lipid
and a blood coagulation accelerator, wherein the blood coagulation accelerator is
selected from the group of ellagic acid, zeolite, silica and inorganic oxide materials
and wherein the lipid is selected from the group of a sphingolipid and a glycerol-based
lipid, wherein the sphingolipid is selected from the group of ceramide-1-phosphate,
glycosylated phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxylated or non hydroxylated sulfatides
and a gangliosides and wherein the glycerol-based lipid is selected from the group
of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate, phosphatidic
acid, phosphatidylglicerols, and cardiolipin;
or
(g) a TF::FXa complex, according to claim 19, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle; or
(h) a TF::NCIS complex, according to claim 20, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle; or
(i) a TF::FXa::NCIS complex, according to claim 21, together with a pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle.
26. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 15 in a pharmaceutical administration
form for its topical administration.
27. A product comprising a pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 25
to 26 and a support.
28. A product comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
(i) a support and
(ii) a product or complex selected from the group consisting of:
(i) a product according to claim 12, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
(ii) a product according to claim 13, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle and
(iii) a product according to claim 14, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle; or
(iv) a TF::FXa complex according to claim 19, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle, or
(v) a TF::NCIS complex according to claim 20, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle, or
(vi) a TF::FXa::NCIS complex according to claim 21, together with a pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle.