Potent and rapid reversal of the von Willebrand factor inhibitor aptamer BT200

Background BT200, a pegylated form of the aptamer BT100, inhibits binding of von Willebrand factor (VWF) to platelet glycoprotein GPIb, preventing arterial thrombosis in cynomolgus monkeys. It is being developed for secondary prevention of arterial thrombosis such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Inhibition of thrombogenesis by BT200 is expected to provide a therapeutic benefit. However, there may be unexpected bleeding (eg, incidental trauma) in which a reversal agent is required. To address this need, BT101, a complementary aptamer, has been developed to specifically inhibit BT100 and BT200 function. Objectives To characterize the effects of BT101 both in vitro and in vivo. Methods The direct interaction between BT101 and the core aptamer BT100 was evaluated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The binding of BT200 to purified human VWF and inhibition of VWF activity was further characterized using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. VWF‐dependent platelet function was measured by the platelet function analyzer and aggregometry in whole blood. In addition, both the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of BT101 as well as its ability to reverse BT200 activity, were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. Results BT101 bound to the core aptamer BT100 at a 1:1 ratio, inhibited BT200 binding to purified human VWF, and reversed BT200‐induced inhibition of both VWF activity and VWF‐dependent platelet function in vitro. After intravenous injection to monkeys, BT101 reversed BT200‐induced effects on VWF activity and platelet function within minutes, without causing any adverse effects. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that BT101 is an effective reversal agent for BT200.