APAC Antithrombotic Molecule for PF4 Complex Disruption in HIT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and thrombosis (HITT) are inadequate, as they often lead to new thromboembolic complications and major bleeding risks, necessitating a drug that can prevent or disrupt the formation of pathogenic PF4/UFH complexes and ULICs to allow for lower doses of antithrombotic agents.

Innovation Solution

An antithrombotic molecule (APAC) comprising a human plasma protein, such as serum albumin, conjugated with multiple heparin chains via linkers, competes with UFH to inhibit the formation and stability of PF4/UFH complexes, thereby preventing or disrupting ULICs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatments for HIT and HITT are used, then anticoagulation is achieved, but new thromboembolic complications and major bleeding risks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanticoagulation efficacyVSAvoidthromboembolic complications and bleeding risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

APAC acts as an intermediary substance that binds to PF4 to form non-pathogenic complexes, preventing the formation of pathogenic PF4/UFH complexes and ULICs. This mediator approach blocks the harmful interaction between UFH and PF4 without requiring high-dose anticoagulation, thereby reducing both thromboembolic complications and bleeding risks while maintaining anticoagulation efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful pathogenic PF4/UFH complexes into beneficial non-pathogenic complexes by introducing APAC. The same PF4 and heparin components that cause thrombosis are redirected to form harmless complexes with APAC, transforming the harmful immune response into a beneficial therapeutic effect that prevents thrombosis without causing bleeding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If heparin is administered to prevent thrombosis, then anticoagulation is provided, but HIT and HITT are induced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrombosis preventionVSAvoidHIT and HITT
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

APAC is administered preliminarily or concurrently with heparin to block the formation of pathogenic PF4/UFH complexes before they can trigger HIT antibodies. By preemptively binding to PF4 and preventing the immune response, APAC allows heparin to provide necessary anticoagulation without inducing HIT or HITT

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

APAC serves as a protective intermediary that intercepts PF4 before it can form pathogenic complexes with heparin. This mediator prevents the initiation of the immune response that leads to HIT, while still allowing heparin to exert its beneficial anticoagulant effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

APAC effectively inhibits the formation and dissociates preformed PF4/UFH complexes and ULICs, reducing thrombosis risk while minimizing bleeding risks, offering a safer and more targeted treatment for HIT and HITT.

Implementation Method 1

APAC competes with UFH to inhibit the formation and stability of PF4/UFH complexes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular competition:

Implementation Method 2

APAC effectively inhibits the formation and dissociates preformed PF4/UFH complexes and ULICs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplex dissociation:

Data Source

PatentEP4149488B1An antithrombic molecule having APAC activity for use in the prevention and/or treatment of thrombocytopenia
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 APLAGON
  • EP4149488B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4149488B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4149488B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an anti-thrombotic molecule having both anti-platelet and anti-coagulant (APAC) activity and, in particular, its use as a medicament to prevent and/or treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type I or II; and/or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT); and/or heparin-independent thrombocytopenia autoimmune HIT (aHIT); and/or vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The invention has use in both the medical and veterinary industries.