Modified VWF D' Domain Mutations for Factor VIII Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia A, require frequent administration of Factor VIII due to its short half-life, which is cumbersome and poses risks of infection, and existing methods to prolong its half-life have limitations in enhancing binding affinity with von Willebrand Factor (VWF).

Innovation Solution

A modified von Willebrand Factor (VWF) with specific mutations in the D' domain, such as amino acid substitutions, is developed to increase its binding affinity to Factor VIII, forming a complex with a dissociation constant of 0.2 nmol/L or less, thereby stabilizing Factor VIII and prolonging its half-life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Factor VIII is administered frequently to maintain therapeutic levels, then bleeding disorders can be treated effectively, but the treatment becomes cumbersome and increases infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidadministration frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the binding parameters between VWF and FVIII by introducing specific mutations in the D' domain of VWF (positions 779, 781, 787, 789, 793, 794, 796, 798, 802, 818, 819, 825, 835, 838, or 853). These parameter changes in binding affinity enable the complex to remain stable longer in circulation, allowing less frequent administration while maintaining therapeutic levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the half-life of Factor VIII is prolonged, then administration frequency can be reduced, but existing methods have limitations in enhancing binding affinity with VWF

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehalf-lifeVSAvoidbinding affinity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically changes the binding affinity parameters by introducing specific mutations in the D' domain of VWF. These mutations optimize the interaction between VWF and FVIII, achieving both prolonged half-life and enhanced binding affinity simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of existing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite molecular complex combining modified VWF with FVIII, where the specific mutations in VWF's D' domain generate synergistic effects that simultaneously prolong half-life and enhance binding affinity, achieving multiple therapeutic goals through a single molecular modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If mutations are introduced in the D' domain of VWF to increase binding affinity, then Factor VIII stability is improved, but the complexity of the protein structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding affinityVSAvoidprotein structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality changes by introducing mutations only in the specific D' domain region of VWF (positions 779-853) rather than modifying the entire protein structure. This localized approach enhances binding affinity while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The modified VWF complex significantly enhances the binding affinity to Factor VIII, leading to a prolonged half-life and improved therapeutic efficacy, reducing the frequency of administration and associated risks, thus providing a more effective treatment for bleeding disorders like hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.

Implementation Method 1

the binding affinity of said polypeptide comprising a modified VWF to Factor VIII (FVIII) is higher than that of a reference polypeptide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinding affinity:

Data Source

PatentEP2814502B1Von willebrand factor variants having improved factor viii binding affinity
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 CSL BEHRING GMBH
  • EP2814502B1 patent drawing
  • EP2814502B1 patent drawing
  • EP2814502B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a modified von Willebrand Factor (VWF) having a higher Factor VIII binding affinity than non-modified VWF, its pharmaceutical use and method of its preparation.