News

People with rare disorders have a worse healthcare experience than those affected by chronic diseases, according to the results of an international survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. Indeed, rare disease patients overall give their healthcare experience a medium-low rating, of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5,…

Treatment with Hemlibra (emicizumab) can help to effectively manage bleeding in individuals with acquired hemophilia A (AHA), according to a new study. While clinical trials will need to be done to fully assess Hemlibra as an AHA therapy, the researchers said this medication also has the potential to…

When given as a prophylactic, or preventive therapy, Advate worked better than on-demand treatment at lowering the number of spontaneous bleeds in people with moderate or severe hemophilia A, according to seven-year data from a real-world study. A separate analysis of the study, called AHEAD International (NCT02078427),…

An internal investigation conducted by Ferring Pharmaceuticals into its recently recalled desmopressin nasal spray formulations found an issue with the tightness of the bottle seal. Measures taken to prevent recurrence of the issue will affect the availability of the products through at least 2023.

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…

A single dose of the experimental gene therapy SPK-8016 showed promising safety and efficacy in lowering the frequency of bleeds and the need for infusions in men with severe hemophilia A. These preliminary findings from an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial (NCT03734588) were presented by Spencer Sullivan, MD,…

The investigational medication marzeptacog alfa activated (MarzAA) showed promise at stopping bleeding in animal models of hemophilia. The findings were presented in two posters at the Annual Congress of the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) by researchers from Catalyst Biosciences, which is developing MarzAA. MarzAA is…

Kovaltry (octocog alfa) is effective and safe as a preventive treatment for children with hemophilia A, a European real-world study reports. The study, “Real-world evidence on Kovaltry (81-8973) in children with moderate or severe hemophilia A in Europe: a…

While progress was made last year on newborn screening and other policy issues critical to rare disease patients, a “State Report Card” argues that many concerns — notably out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines and access to affordable comprehensive care — still need attention. Those were the findings of the…

Immunoadsorption, or the selective removal of antibodies from the blood, might prove useful as an add-on treatment for patients with acquired hemophilia, according to a recent study. If confirmed, this finding could lead to better treatment for life-threatening bleeds, delayed treatment responses, and adverse responses to immunosuppressive therapy among…