Baxalta doses first patient in Phase I trial of BAX 826 to treat haemophilia A

US-based biopharmaceutical firm Baxalta has begun its Phase I clinical trial evaluating BAX 826, a recombinant Factor VIII (rFVIII) treatment for haemophilia A.

Using proprietary polysialic acid (PSA) technology, BAX 826 is the company's second extended half-life treatment based on Advate, which is claimed to be the world's most prescribed FVIII treatment.

Advate is a full-length recombinant FVIII product that is processed without any blood-based additives, and which demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating haemophilia A,

Around 30 patients will be enrolled in three dosing groups in the open-label trial. Enrolment is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Baxalta Research & Development head and chief scientific officer John Orloff said: "This is an important step in evolving extended half-life treatments as we aim to improve bleed protection for hemophilia A patients while potentially offering once-weekly dosing.

"Baxalta is dedicated to advancing innovative research on the principle of direct factor replacement, a proven treatment model, to support as many patients as possible."

BAX 826 is modified using PSA technology licensed from Xenetic Biosciences to extend its circulating half-life.

Baxalta has collaborated with Xenetic to develop new forms of polysialylated blood coagulation factors, including FVIII.

Xenetic's PolyXen technology uses the biopolymer PSA to enhance the circulating half-life and pharmacokinetic profile of therapeutic proteins, peptides, and small molecules.

Preclinical trials have showed that BAX 826 offered an extended circulating half-life compared to standard rFVIII.

Baxalta's haemophilia treatments include Adynovate, which was approved in the US for on-demand and prophylaxis treatment in adolescent and adult patients with hemophilia A, and is under regulatory review in Japan, Canada and Switzerland.