CSL Behring Receives NORD 2017 Industry Innovation Award for Hemophilia Therapy Idelvion

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has recognized pharmaceutical company CSL Behring for pioneering Idelvion (rIX-FP), its therapeutic medicine against hemophilia B.

“We are proud to present the team at CSL Behring with a 2017 Industry Innovation Award for the important work they are doing to address the needs of patients with hemophilia B,” NORD President and CEO Peter L. Saltonstall said in a press release. “This recognition underscores CSL Behring’s commitment to respond to the needs of people living with rare diseases.”

NORD, a patient advocacy group fighting to provide people with rare diseases better services and care, has more than 260 patient organization members, NORD strives to identify, treat and cure rare disorders through educational programs, advocacy, research and patient services.

CSL Behring received its award for introducing the first long-acting recombinant fusion protein linking coagulation factor IX with albumin. Idelvion is approved for controlling and preventing bleeding episodes, for perioperative management of bleeding, and for routine prophylactic treatment.

Idelvion links recombinant albumin to recombinant Factor IX (rFIX). The protein remains in the bloodstream until it’s activated; when a bleed occurs, the linker in Idelvion is separated, activating the rFIX. This strategy keeps the FIX in the body longer.

CSL Behring, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, currently offers several programs of interest, including a Idelvion Welcome Kit, a free 30-day trial program of Idelvion and co-pay assistance, as well as other financial aid programs.

Dr. Debra Bensen-Kennedy, CSL Behring’s vice president for medical affairs in North America, accepted the award from Meaghan Carty, whose son has hemophilia B, on behalf of the company’s 14,000-plus employees worldwide.s

“With the introduction of Idelvion, we’re excited to build on a platform that we believe will transform replacement factor therapy for patients with bleeding disorders,” said Bensen-Kennedy. “We’re especially thankful for the trust that physicians and patients place in us every day. And we’ll continue to develop better medicines that are resetting the expectations of people with rare diseases.”

Hemophilia B affects an estimated one in every 25,000 U.S. male births, though it is about four times less common than hemophilia A.