Shire launches Vonvendi [von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)] in the US for adults living with von Willebrand disease.

Shire plc continuing on Baxalta�s long-standing commitment to the bleeding disorder community, announced the U.S. launch of Vonvendi [von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)], the only recombinant treatment for adults living with von Willebrand disease (VWD). As the first and only recombinant von Willebrand factor (VWF) treatment,Vonvendi replaces the VWF the body is missing in VWD. The treatment is also the first in the United States that has the option to dose recombinant von Willebrand factor (rVWF) independent of recombinant Factor VIII (rFVIII), based on patient need. This attribute allows for tailored treatment for patients who may not require additional FVIII.

VWD is a hereditary bleeding disorder that is caused by deficiency or dysfunction of VWF, a plasma protein that mediates the initial adhesion of platelets at sites of vascular injury and also carries and protects factor VIII from premature proteolysis. Because of this, the blood does not clot properly, resulting in heavy menstrual periods, easy bruising, or frequent nose bleeds. It is estimated that one in 100 people, approximately 3 million people in the United States, suffer from VWD.