Blood clots are a silent threat behind many serious illnesses—from sepsis and cancer to viral infections and autoimmune disease. Now, inventors at the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) have identified a promising new way to stop dangerous clots before they spiral out of control, without increasing the risk of bleeding that plagues today’s treatments.

Unlike conventional anticoagulants that disrupt normal blood clotting and carry significant bleeding risks, this approach targets a disease-specific mechanism. Researchers have developed humanized monoclonal antibodies that selectively neutralize sTF—blocking pathological clot formation while preserving normal hemostasis.

The discovery also introduces a promising diagnostic opportunity. Because sTF appears early in the coagulation cascade, it may enable more sensitive and specific detection of thrombosis compared to current markers such as D-dimer.

With applications spanning sepsis, cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases, this first-in-class platform offers a more precise and potentially safer alternative for managing thrombotic conditions.

The technology and antibody platform are now available for licensing and/or collaboration. You can find more information and a licensing contact on the abstract: Soluble Tissue Factor, a Novel Target, and Antibodies, for Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Thrombosis and Related Conditions