activated protein c

Activated protein C (APC) is a serine protease with potent anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is the enzymatically active form of protein C, a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein synthesized in the liver. Upon activation by thrombin-thrombomodulin complex on endothelial cells, APC inactivates coagulation factors Va and VIIIa, reducing thrombin formation and thus clot formation. In addition to its anticoagulant effects, APC has anti-inflammatory actions by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor production and leukocyte adhesion to selectins. Recombinant forms such as drotrecogin alfa (marketed as Xigris) were developed for severe sepsis but withdrawn due to lack of efficacy. Human plasma-derived concentrates (e.g., Ceprotin) are approved for congenital protein C deficiency to prevent or treat venous thrombosis and purpura fulminans[2][4][5][7].

Brand names

XigrisCeprotin

Other names

drotrecogin alfarecombinant human activated protein cautoprothrombin IIAblood coagulation factor XIV