August 10, 2010 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for a device (Prefilled Dual-Chamber Syringe; Pfizer, Inc) used to reconstitute and administer antihemophilic factor (recombinant) plasma/albumin-free intravenous infusion (Xyntha; Pfizer) in patients with hemophilia A.
The all-in-one syringe is the first to supply freeze-dried albumin-free recombinant factor VIII and also the diluent (0.9% sodium chloride), thereby eliminating the reconstitution transfer step and improving patient convenience.
"For the hemophilia A patient who is always on-the-go, any treatment option that can enhance convenience is critical to the management of his health and lifestyle," said Sue Geraghty, RN, MBA, nurse coordinator, University of Colorado School of Medicine Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Denver, in a company news release. "As an all-inclusive, travel-ready kit, the Prefilled Dual-Chamber Syringe offers patients with hemophilia A convenience in reconstituting Xyntha, potentially saving them both time and effort."
The first ready-to-use syringe will be marketed in November 2010 and is designed to provide 3000 IU antihemophilic factor in a 4-mL volume. Lower doses are expected to be available in 2011.
Albumin-free recombinant factor VIII uses a next-generation purification process designed to address the potential risk for murine and other viral contamination. Previously available in single-use vials containing 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 IU freeze-dried powder, the product is indicated for the control and prevention of bleeding episodes and for surgical prophylaxis in patients with hemophilia A.
