RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The majority of clotting factor IX (FIX) resides extravascularly, in the subendothelial basement membrane, where it is important for haemostasis. AIM: We summarize preclinical studies demonstrating extravascular FIX and its role in haemostasis and discuss clinical observations supporting this. We compare the in vivo binding of BeneFIX® and the extended half-life FIX, Alprolix® , to extravascular type IV collagen (Col4). METHODS: Three mouse models of haemophilia were used: the FIX knockout as the CRM- model and two knock-in mice, representing a CRM+ model of a commonly occurring patient mutation (FIXR333Q ) or a mutation that binds poorly to Col4 (FIXK5A ). The murine saphenous vein bleeding model was used to assess haemostatic competency. Clinical publications were reviewed for relevance to extravascular FIX. RESULTS: CRM status affects recovery and prophylactic efficacy. Prophylactic protection decreases ~5X faster in CRM+ animals. Extravascular haemostasis can explain unexpected breakthrough bleeding in patients treated with some EHL-FIX therapeutics. In mice, both Alprolix® and BeneFIX® bind Col4 with similar affinities (Kd~20-40 nM) and show dose-dependent recoveries. As expected, the concentration of binding sites in the mouse calculated for Alprolix® (574 nM) was greater than for BeneFIX® (405 nM), due to Alprolix® binding to both Col4 and the endothelial cell neonatal Fc receptor. CONCLUSION: Preclinical and clinical results support the interpretation that FIX plays a role in haemostasis from its extravascular location. We believe that knowing the CRM status of haemophilia B patients is important for optimizing prophylactic dosing with less trial and error, thereby decreasing clinical morbidity.