Basking Biosciences

Targeting von Willebrand Factor (vWF) to deliver powerful clot-clearing activity with rationally- designed reversibility

A fundamentally new approach to thrombolysis that aims for more effective, safer treatment across thrombotic conditions.

Learn about our programs leveraging vWF biology

UNDERSTANDING vWF AND ITS ROLE IN CLOT FORMATION

Clotting is a vital part of hemostasis, but when this process becomes dysregulated, it can lead to pathological clot formation. In harmful clot formation (pathological thrombosis) such as acute ischemic stroke, dysregulated clot formation blocks blood flow to the brain. Treatment focuses on restoring that flow, a process called recanalization.

vWF plays an essential role in clot formation and stabilization. It enables platelets to adhere to injured vessel walls and to each other, particularly in high-shear flow conditions. When endothelial injury and inflammation increase vWF activity at the vessel surface, platelet adhesion and aggregation intensify, driving pathological clot formation that can obstruct blood flow and damage tissue.

vWF: A VALIDATED TARGET AT THE HEART OF STROKE BIOLOGY

The biology of vWF is well characterized and clinically relevant across several blood disorders, including von Willebrand disease and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP). Its central role in both normal hemostasis and pathologic clot formation makes it a compelling target for thrombolysis.

In stroke, vWF is ubiquitous throughout clots retrieved from patients, even after standard drug-based treatment. Studies have also shown that plasma vWF is elevated in patients experiencing heart attack and stroke, further underscoring its role in pathologic thrombosis.

A SELECTIVE AND REVERSIBLE WAY TO INTERVENE

We are developing a first-in-class targeted, reversible therapy that selectively inhibits vWF — the central mediator of clot initiation, growth and stabilization. This differs fundamentally from currently approved drug-based treatments for acute ischemic stroke (fibrinolytics), which target fibrin.

By selectively binding to vWF, our rapid-onset, short-duration therapy is designed to break down harmful clots. Furthermore, our direct-acting reversal agent rapidly restores normal hemostasis within minutes, enabling potential urgent surgical intervention in the event of bleeding.

Science

Targeting von Willebrand Factor (vWF) to deliver powerful clot-clearing activity with rationally- designed reversibility

Publications