Coagulation Factor IX concentrate: method of preparation and assessment of potential in vivo thrombogenicity in animal models

Thrombosis and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are complications specifically associated with the use of factor IX complex in some patients. Assuming that these complications might result from zymogen overload, we have produced, using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sephadex (Pharmacia, Piscataway, NJ) and sulfated dextran chromatography, a factor IX concentrate (coagulation factor IX) that is essentially free of prothrombin, factor VII, and factor X. Factor IX specific activity is at least 5 U/mg protein, a 250-fold purification compared to plasma. Amounts of factors II, VII, and X are less than 5 units each per 100 units of factor IX. The concentrate is essentially free of activated clotting factors and contains no added heparin. In the rabbit stasis model, a dose of 200 factor IX U/kg was less thrombogenic than 100 factor IX U/kg of the DEAE-Sephadex eluate from which the concentrate was derived. Infusion of 200 factor IX U/kg did not induce DIC in the nonstasis rabbit model, whereas 100 factor IX U/kg of the DEAE-Sephadex eluate resulted in DIC in this model. Several factor IX lots were found to have shortened nonactivated partial thromboplastin times (PTTs), but were nonthrombogenic in both animal models. These data indicate that coagulation factor IX concentrate is less thrombogenic than factor IX complex.