[HTML][HTML] Long-term expression of murine activated factor VII is safe, but elevated levels cause premature mortality

MN Aljamali, P Margaritis… - The Journal of …, 2008 - Am Soc Clin Investig
MN Aljamali, P Margaritis, A Schlachterman, SJ Tai, E Roy, R Bunte, RM Camire, KA High
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2008Am Soc Clin Investig
Intravenous infusion of recombinant human activated Factor VII (FVIIa) has been used for
over a decade in the successful management of bleeding episodes in patients with inhibitory
antibodies to Factor VIII or Factor IX. Previously, we showed that expression of murine FVIIa
(mFVIIa) from an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector corrected abnormal hemostatic
parameters in hemophilia B mice. To pursue this as a therapeutic approach, we sought to
define safe and effective levels of FVIIa for continuous expression. In mice transgenic for …
Intravenous infusion of recombinant human activated Factor VII (FVIIa) has been used for over a decade in the successful management of bleeding episodes in patients with inhibitory antibodies to Factor VIII or Factor IX. Previously, we showed that expression of murine FVIIa (mFVIIa) from an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector corrected abnormal hemostatic parameters in hemophilia B mice. To pursue this as a therapeutic approach, we sought to define safe and effective levels of FVIIa for continuous expression. In mice transgenic for mFVIIa or injected with AAV-mFVIIa, we analyzed survival, expression levels, in vitro and in vivo coagulation tests, and histopathology for up to 16 months after birth/mFVIIa expression. We found that continuous expression of mFVIIa at levels at or below 1.5 μg/ml was safe, effective, and compatible with a normal lifespan. However, expression levels of 2 μg/ml or higher were associated with thrombosis and early mortality, with pathologic findings in the heart and lungs that were rescued in a low–factor X (low-FX) mouse background, suggesting a FX-mediated effect. The findings from these mouse models of continuous FVIIa expression have implications for the development of a safe gene transfer approach for hemophilia and are consistent with the possibility of thromboembolic risk of continuously elevated FVIIa levels.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation