rVWF +/− ADVATE for Von Willebrand Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a treatment for children with severe von Willebrand disease, a condition that affects blood clotting and can cause frequent bleeding. The study evaluates how well the treatment, vonicog alfa (a recombinant von Willebrand factor), works alone or with another drug, ADVATE (an antihemophilic factor), to control bleeding episodes over 12-18 months. Children who have experienced severe bleeding episodes in the past year and are not suitable for other treatments might be a good fit for this trial. Participants will have regular follow-ups at clinics or through phone calls to monitor their progress. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking treatment.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on immunomodulatory drugs (medications that affect the immune system) other than anti-retroviral chemotherapy, you may need to stop them 30 days before joining the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that vonicog alfa, a lab-made version of von Willebrand factor (rVWF), is generally safe for people with von Willebrand Disease (VWD). In studies for VONVENDI®, a brand of rVWF, common side effects included headache and fever, with no new safety concerns identified. Real-world studies from Europe also reported no new safety issues for rVWF.
For ADVATE®, used with vonicog alfa in this study, safety information primarily comes from its use in people with hemophilia A. It is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects being mild, such as headache or dizziness. However, ADVATE® is not specifically used for von Willebrand disease.
Overall, both treatments have demonstrated a good safety record in studies, but discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider remains important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they leverage recombinant technology to produce von Willebrand factor (rVWF) and antihemophilic factor (ADVATE), which are essential for blood clotting. Unlike traditional plasma-derived options, these recombinant factors are produced synthetically, eliminating the risk of viral transmission. Additionally, the treatment protocol offers flexibility with on-demand dosing for non-surgical bleeding and tailored infusion schedules for various types of surgery, potentially improving patient outcomes by providing more precise control over bleeding episodes. This approach could simplify the management of Von Willebrand Disease by reducing reliance on human-derived products and enhancing safety and efficacy.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Von Willebrand Disease?
Research shows that vonicog alfa, a lab-made version of von Willebrand factor (rVWF), helps reduce bleeding in people with severe von Willebrand disease (VWD). Studies have found a 53% decrease in yearly bleeding episodes for patients using rVWF regularly. A combined review of clinical trials rated 96% of treatments as excellent or good. Vonicog alfa replaces the missing or faulty von Willebrand factor, aiding blood clotting. In this trial, participants may receive rVWF for non-surgical bleeding episodes or during surgical procedures. While ADVATE, a factor VIII product, is mainly used for hemophilia A, it can also stabilize factor levels in VWD, potentially managing bleeding episodes. Participants in this trial may receive rVWF with or without ADVATE, depending on the treatment arm.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Study Director
Principal Investigator
Takeda
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Children under 18 with severe hereditary von Willebrand disease (VWD) can join this trial. They must have had at least one bleed requiring treatment in the past year and agree to follow study rules. Girls who can have babies must test negative for pregnancy and use birth control.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive vonicog alfa for non-surgical bleeding episodes over a 12 to 18-month period
Surgery
Participants undergo elective or emergency surgery with specific infusion protocols
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)
- von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Baxalta now part of Shire
Lead Sponsor
Flemming Ornskov
Baxalta now part of Shire
Chief Executive Officer since 2013
MD, MPH
Ludwig N. Hantson
Baxalta now part of Shire
Chief Medical Officer since 2015
PhD
Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.
Industry Sponsor