Systemic Haemostats
Haemostatix is developing two systemic haemostats that act as platelet substitutes. The first product, HaemoPlax, is being developed as a freeze dried product consisting of microparticles linked to a proprietary fibrinogen-binding peptide sequence (‘GPRP’). Multiple GPRP peptides are bound to the surface of the microparticle (Figure A below) . On administration via infusion, the product binds patient fibrinogen via the GPRP sequence (Figure B) . HaemoPlax circulates the body with bound fibrinogen until it meets activated platelets at the site of a wound or lesion. The product then binds to platelets via fibrinogen ‘bridges’, to form a thrombus (Figure C). The action of thrombin results in fibrin cross-linking throughout the HaemoPlax-platelet thrombus to form an effective clot. Thus where platelet counts are low, HaemoPlax helps to form an effective seal over the wound or lesion.
In Haemostatix’s second product, HXTC 901, the GPRP sequence is protected by a thrombin-cleavable peptide component. The product circulates without binding fibrinogen, until it arrives at a wound site, where in the presence of thrombin, the GPRP sequence is exposed, allowing binding to fibrinogen.
A.
B.
C.
