Inventors:
Thomas J. Kunicki - Brookfield WI
Robert R. Montgomery - Mequon WI
Assignee:
The Blood Center Research Foundation - Milwaukee WI
International Classification:
C07K 302, C07K 312
Abstract:
A method for maintaining intact, non-degraded von Willebrand factor by preventing the action of calcium activated protease(s) responsible for degradation of the factor. The action of the calcium activated protease(s) may be avoided by removing the blood platelet source of the protease(s), by filtering or centrifugal separation, or by inactivating the protease with a chelating agent removing the calcium, by a protease inhibitor, or an alkylating agent.