Dr. Casari will discuss the heterogeneity of von Willebrand disease, and the challenges faced by patients with von Willebrand disease, highlighting the unmet clinical need for new therapeutic options for these patients. She will then describe how KB-V13A12, a bispecific nanobody that increases von Willebrand factor levels by bridging von Willebrand factor and albumin, was designed and tested. Dr. Casari will also discuss the relevance of using Emicizumab in a subgroup of patients with von Willebrand disease and how they are testing it in murine models.    

Dr. Flick will discuss how quantitative and qualitative changes in circulating fibrinogen or fibrin matrix formation alters thrombogenesis. He will present the novel concept that fibrin(ogen) can be directly targeted to produce porous fibrin clot structures with poor red blood cell retention and enhanced susceptibility to fibrinolysis. Dr. Flick will also summarize the innovative studies demonstrating that selective reduction of circulating fibrinogen levels or inhibition of fibrin formation with a nonpolymerizable fibrinogen variant suppresses arterial and venous thrombosis while maintaining substantial hemostatic potential.  

Dr. Marie Lordkipanidzé will discuss the role of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in platelet biology. She will provide an overview of the neurotrophins action on platelets and megakaryocytes, as well as present the regulatory role of α2-macroglobulin on BDNF bioavailability in plasma. Dr. Lordkipanidzé will further discuss the importance of platelet released BDNF in cognitive health.  

If you are attending the meeting in San Diego, following this session, please join ASH leadership and your colleagues at the ASH Networking Reception for the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Community, taking place across the hallway, outside on the East Terrace at the San Diego Convention Center, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.