Caplacizumab

Products

Caplacizumab was approved in many countries in 2019 as a powder and solvent for solution for injection (Cablivi).

Structure and properties

Caplacizumab is a humanized, bivalent nanobody (single-domain antibody) produced by biotechnological methods. It consists of two building blocks (PMP12A2hum1) linked by a 3-alanine linker.

Effects

Caplacizumab (ATC B01AX07) binds to the A1 domain of von Willebrand factor, inhibiting its interaction with platelets. This prevents platelet adhesion.

Indications

For the treatment of adults suffering from an episode of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) in conjunction with plasmapheresis and immunosuppression.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include nosebleeds, headache, and bleeding gums.