Factor VIII Products

Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) was previously known as Factor VIII related antigen. VWF is synthesized exclusively by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes, and stored in the intracellular granules or constitutively secreted into plasma. This glycoprotein functions as both an antihemophilic factor carrier and a platelet vessel wall mediator in the blood coagulation system. Important in the maintenance of homeostasis, it participates in platelet vessel wall interactions by forming a noncovalent complex with coagulation factor VIII at the site of vascular injury. The Von Willebrand factor has functional binding domains to platelet glycoprotein Ib, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, collagen and heparin. Mutations in this gene or deficiencies in this protein result in Von Willebrand's disease. VWD is characterized by frequent bleeding (gingival, minor skin quantitative lacerations, menorrhagia, etc.).