coagulation factor XIII

Coagulation Factor XIII (FXIII), also known as fibrin-stabilizing factor, is a transglutaminase that plays a critical role in the final stages of the coagulation cascade. It circulates in plasma as a heterotetramer composed of two A-subunits and two B-subunits (A2B2). Upon activation by thrombin and calcium, the A-subunits are converted into the active enzyme (FXIIIa), which catalyzes the formation of covalent cross-links between fibrin monomers, thereby stabilizing the blood clot and increasing its resistance to fibrinolysis. Therapeutic FXIII is available in two forms: a human plasma-derived concentrate (e.g., Fibrogammin, Corifact) and a recombinant A-subunit homodimer (catridecacog; e.g., Tretten, NovoThirteen). It is primarily indicated for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients with congenital FXIII deficiency. Additionally, it is utilized in the management of acquired FXIII deficiency, which can occur in perioperative settings, trauma, or critical illness due to consumption, dilution, or decreased synthesis, as investigated in clinical studies such as those conducted at Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg.

Brand names

FibrogamminCorifactTrettenNovoThirteen

Other names

Factor XIIIFibrin stabilizing factorLaki-Lorand factorcatridecacogFXIII