abstract |
The present invention is directed to antibodies and antibody fragments that bind specifically to the active conformation of human von Willebrand factor. Most preferred are recombinantly produced single chain variable immunoglobulin fragments. Because the antibodies or antibody fragments act only at the sites of thrombus formation and do not interfere with the normal activity of circulating platelets, they are particularly well suited for use as antithrombotic agents in a wide variety of applications. |