Targeting blood clots

Blood clots can cause life-threatening conditions such as stroke and rare blood disorders like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TGD001 is a groundbreaking new medicine designed to dissolve these clots in a safer and more effective way. This project is a collaboration between UMC Utrecht and TargED Biopharmaceuticals, a spin-off company from UMC Utrecht, working together to bring this innovative treatment to patients. TGD001 is unique because it specifically targets von Willebrand factor (VWF), a key component in clot formation, making it different from existing treatments. 

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, affecting over 12 million people each year. Current clot-dissolving treatments are not effective for all patients and can have serious side effects, including life-threatening bleeding. Similarly, TTP is a rare but deadly disease that requires urgent treatment to prevent organ failure. New, safer, and more targeted solutions are urgently needed to improve survival rates and reduce the impact of these diseases on patients and healthcare systems. 

This project aimed to develop and test TGD001 as a next-generation clot-dissolving therapy. Laboratory and animal studies have already shown that TGD001 effectively breaks down blood clots while potentially reducing the risk of bleeding. The project also developed special tests to monitor TGD001’s activity in blood, helping researchers fine-tune the treatment. In December 2024, the first patient received TGD001 in a clinical trial, marking a major milestone in testing its safety. 

The project has already delivered important scientific and economic successes. TGD001 has advanced to human trials, and TargED Biopharmaceuticals has raised €39 million in funding to further develop the treatment. If successful, TGD001 could revolutionize stroke and blood clot treatments, offering patients a safer and more effective option than current therapies..