CSL Behring has announced the start of the SWIFT global clinical trial programme to evaluate Biostate, a highly active, plasma-derived concentrate for the treatment of von Willebrand disease (VWD) and haemophilia A.
The Studies with von Willebrand factor [VWF] / Factor VIII (SWIFT) will be conducted at centres in Europe, North America and South America, and will comprise four open-label studies in adults / adolescents and children with VWD and haemophilia A.
Professor Toshko Lissitchkov, managing director of Specialized Haematological Hospital Joan Pavel, said that the management of patients with bleeding disorders like VWD and haemophilia A continues to be challenging.
"Our goal with the SWIFT programme is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Biostate, a factor concentrate with high specific activity that has the potential to benefit patients," Lissitchkov said.
Biostate has been available in Australia since 2003 where it is indicated for the treatment of VWD and haemophilia A.
VWD is caused by a deficiency or abnormality of VWF, a protein in the blood that is necessary for normal blood clotting. Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterised by prolonged or spontaneous bleeding, especially into muscles, joints or internal organs.
