Recombinant factor VIIa

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is a pharmaceutical drug that is structurally similar to the natural blood clotting protein known as factor VII. It is used in the treatment of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia who have developed inhibitors against other clotting factors. The drug is produced using recombinant DNA technology.

Etymology

The term "recombinant" refers to the method of production of the drug, which involves the use of recombinant DNA technology. This involves the insertion of a gene into the DNA of a living organism, in this case, the gene for factor VII, so that the organism produces the protein. The term "factor VIIa" refers to the activated form of factor VII, a protein involved in the blood clotting process.

Medical uses

Recombinant factor VIIa is used in the treatment of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A or B who have developed inhibitors against other clotting factors. It is also used in the treatment of congenital factor VII deficiency, a rare bleeding disorder.

Mechanism of action

Recombinant factor VIIa works by binding to the surface of activated platelets at the site of a bleed. This triggers a series of reactions that lead to the formation of a blood clot, thereby stopping the bleed.

Side effects

The most common side effects of recombinant factor VIIa include fever, injection site reactions, and headache. Serious side effects can include thrombosis and thromboembolic events.

History

Recombinant factor VIIa was first approved for use in the United States in 1999. It is marketed under the brand name NovoSeven by Novo Nordisk.

See also

• Hemophilia
• Factor VII
• Blood clotting
• Recombinant DNA

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