Eloctate is an anti-bleeding factor derived from recombinant DNA that is used to treat children and adults with hemophilia A.
Marketed by Sanofi Genzyme, Eloctate is mean to prevent bleeding episodes and treat them when they occur. This includes bleeding during or after an operation.
Scientists create recombinant DNA in a laboratory. The work involves taking DNA from different sources to produce combinations that would not occur naturally. The new combinations have properties that can be useful against diseases, including hemophilia A, which is deficient in clotting factor VIII.
About Eloctate
Eloctate is the first recombinant clotting factor VIII therapy designed to stay in the body for a considerable period.
Its namesake company used Fc fusion technology to develop it. This involves fusing factor VIII to what is called the Fc portion of a protein known as immunoglobulin G subclass 1, or IgG1. The idea behind the fusing was to use a naturally occurring pathway to extend the time Eloctate would stay in the body.
The clotting factor VIII used in Eloctate is derived from recombinant DNA in a kidney cell line.
Other details About Eloctate
The recommended starting dose of Eloctate for adults is 50 intravenous units per kilogram of a patient’s weight every four days. Adjustments are likely to be made every three to five days, so that doses end up ranging from 25 to 65 IU/kg. In children 6 and younger, the recommended starting dose is 50 IU/kg twice a week.
Some people who take Eloctate need more frequent doses, or doses that are higher — up to 80 IU/kg.
A problem for some people taking the therapy is that their bodies produce antibodies against Eloctate, called inhibitors, that prevent it from working properly over time.
The most frequent side effects of Eloctate are headaches, rashes, joint pain, muscle pain, and general discomfort.
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