Plasma-derived factor VIII concentrates remain an important resource for haemophilia A patients. To improve the safety of these preparations, various methods of viral removal and inactivation have been used that are designed to eliminate both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. There have been rare reports that some viral inactivation processes altered the immunogenicity of some concentrates, leading to the development of factor VIII inhibitors in previously treated haemophilia A patients. This study evaluated the safety, efficacy and lack of neo-antigenicity of a highly purified factor VIII preparation which undergoes both solvent/detergent treatment and final dry heat treatment at 80 degrees C for 72 h. The study included: (i) a single blind, single-dose crossover pharmacokinetic study in 18 previously treated patients, comparing sibling lots of the unheated preparation (Koate(R)-HP) and the heat-treated preparation (Koate(R)-DVI), and (ii) an extended home treatment programme for 36 patients at two haemophilia treatment centres primarily to assess immunogenicity. Clinical parameters were assessed at regular intervals. The results confirm that Koate(R)-HP and Koate(R)-DVI are bioequivalent, and that Koate(R)-DVI is safe and efficacious for treatment of acute bleeding episodes and for surgery. Furthermore, the heat-treated preparation is not associated with the development of inhibitors in previously treated patients.