Separation of human antihemophilic factor (AHF, factor VIII) from fibrinogen by means of defibrase.

Various attempts have been made in the past to remove fibrinogen from plasma fractions rich in factor VIII. Present studies indicated the Defibrase, a preparation of a thrombin-like enzyme from the venom of Bothrops atrox, might be successfully employed for this purpose. Addition of Defibrase to plasma or low-purity factor VIII concentrates allows for the complete removal of fibrinogen without any apparent reduction in the activity. It was also shown that treatment with Defibrase neither decreases the stability of factor VIII nor apparently affects its antigens properties.