Von Willebrand factor (Vonvendi®): the first recombinant product licensed for the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

INTRODUCTION: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common autosomally inherited bleeding disorder, characterized by a quantitative or qualitative defect of the multimeric adhesive glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF). The mainstay of treatment of bleeding in VWD involves the use of desmopressin and plasma-derived factor VIII (FVIII)-VWF concentrates. In addition, a new recombinant VWF has been recently manufactured and licensed in the USA. AREAS COVERED: This narrative review, after a brief presentation of the current therapeutic strategies in VWD, will focus on recombinant VWF, analyzing its characteristics and the results of the completed phase I and III trials. Finally, the potential role of this recombinant drug in the therapeutic scenario of VWD is discussed. Expert commentary: Based on the evidence from literature analysis, we can conclude that recombinant VWF is a novel, interesting therapeutic option for VWD, which could help to further personalize the management of this complex inherited bleeding disorder.