Recombinant coagulation factors

The advent of technology that has allowed production of recombinant proteins on an industrial scale has revolutionized haemophilia care. Recombinant coagulation factors, as opposed to their plasma-derived counterparts, have a very low risk for transmission of infectious agents and their use should eradicate the threat of infection from viruses such as hepatitis C and the human immunodeficiency virus. This review outlines the manufacturing processes involved in the production of the recombinant coagulation factors and the trials to date that have been performed to establish their safety and efficacy. We also discuss some of the issues involved in the change to use of recombinant coagulation factors, such as viral safety and potential immunogenicity.