José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Older patients with hemophilia have lower rates of polypharmacy, or use of multiple medications, and of drug-drug interactions than people of the same age without the disease, a review study reports. This is likely due to their regular risk assessments at hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) and coordination of care…

A gene therapy approach using a so-called antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) conditioning regimen led to safe and sustained production of factor VIII (FVIII) in platelets, and prevented joint bleeding in a mouse model of hemophilia A, according to new research. The study, “Nongenotoxic antibody-drug conjugate conditioning…

Using Hemlibra (emicizumab) as prophylaxis lowers treatment costs considerably for people with hemophilia A compared to preventative factor (FVIII) treatment, according to an economic model study. The model predicts $47,814 in savings to U.S. payers in year one, and a potential for more $3 billion in savings over 20 years…

Hemophilia A patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement/reconstruction surgeries have lesser blood loss and require a lower transfusion amount if treated with Cyklokapron (tranexamic acid), a study reports. They also are likely to experience less joint pain or swelling and better joint function, and have lower levels…

Switching to extended half-life (EHL) products has provided a reduction in the number of infusions and fewer bleeding events compared to standard treatments, particularly in hemophilia B, according to early real-world data from Europe. The study, “Real‐life experience in switching to new extended half‐life products…

Pfizer will invest an additional $500 million into the construction of its new manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina, the company announced. According to the company, the facility could help advance the manufacturing of one-time gene therapies that use modified adeno-associated viral vectors, such as SB-525, which is…

Mild to moderate hemophilia B affects the relationships of adult patients, children with the disease and their caregivers in aspects such as telling others about the diagnosis, selecting a partner, and feeling bullied, according to an American study. The research, “Mild-severe hemophilia B impacts relationships of…

Although most patients report that discussing their sexual health with their doctors is helpful, hemophilia significantly affects the quality of their sex lives, according to the results of two studies. The research, “Hemophilia and sexual health: results from the HERO and B-HERO-S studies,” was published in…

The prevalence of hypertension is higher in patients with hemophilia than in the general population, according to a nationwide study in Sweden with long-term follow-up. In contrast, no differences were seen in the prevalence of angina pectoris and myocardial ischemia, two cardiovascular diseases. The study, “…

An 87-year old woman with acquired hemophilia A (AHA) showed no adverse events or major bleeding events after starting on Hemlibra (emicizumab). The findings suggest that Hemlibra may be a better option for bleeding prevention in AHA patients than bypassing agents, the team said. The study, “…