Novo Nordisk Offers Assurances on Hemophilia Therapy Supplies, Aid to Patients

Novo Nordisk reports that its treatments for hemophilia and other disorders remain available, and it is taking measures to support patients during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has large stock of medicines and expects to be able to meet pharmacy requests in the U.S. during the outbreak. As the supply chain might be affected, however, patients are encouraged to plan ahead in getting prescriptions filled.

“Patients who rely on our medicines every day, our employees who serve them, and the heroes trying to address the outbreak in our backyard demand our singular focus. Now, during these really challenging times, is when we all have to work together to keep our communities, loved ones and those we care about safe and healthy,” Doug Langa, Novo Nordisk’s president and executive vice president of North America Operations, said in a press release.

“We take these responsibilities to heart and want people to know what we are doing and how we can help,” Langa added.

Due to the economic costs of the pandemic, Novo Nordisk has launched an affordability program. Information on eligibility and available assistance for treatment expenses can be found at NovoCare or by phone at 1-844-668-6732.

For patients looking for further information, Novo Nordisk offers personalized support at myNovoSecure.com.

Novo Nordisk also has donated $500,000  to national organizations that include Direct Relief, AmeriCares, the NYC Emergency COVID-19 Relief Fund, the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, and the Philadelphia COVID-19 Relief Fund. Patient and advocacy organization needing emergency assistance will  be supported by Novo Nordisk local communities. Its matching gifts programs is expecting to be expanded through June 1.

To support small businesses during this crisis, the company has temporally suspended contractual payment terms and is paying invoices immediately for almost 500 small companies in the U.S.

Novo Nordisk’s manufacturing will maintain around-the-clock production, while assuring the health and safety of employees. The latest information on supplies and COVID-19 resources can be found at NovoNordisk-US.com/covid19.

Among Novo Nordisk’s hemophilia treatments is NovoSeven, a recombinant (engineered) activated factor VII, approved for the treatment of several types bleeding disorders, including Glanzmann thrombasthenia, hereditary and acquired hemophilia, and congenital factor VII deficiency. NovoSeven works by setting off a molecular cascade that will allow for blood to clot.

The company also developed Rebinyn (nonacog beta pegol; Refixia in the EU), a recombinant coagulation factor IX, to treat adults and children with hemophilia B. Rebinyn, given via intravenous injection (directly into the bloodstream), is a type of replacement therapy providing the missing clotting factor in those with hemophilia B.

More recently, Esperoct (turoctocog alfa pegol) was approved in the U.S. for both prophylactic (preventative) and on-demand control of bleeding episodes in adults and children with hemophilia A. Its use is also approved in Canada and the EU for the same indications.

Novo Nordisk has also developed Novoeight (turoctocog alfa), approved in the U.S. for the treatment and prevention of spontaneous bleeding in people with hemophilia A. Novoeight provides a recombinant factor VIII, the missing clotting protein in these patients.

Novo Nordisk also produces therapies for diabetes and obesity. According to the company, increases in demand may result in temporary disruptions in the stock of diabetes medicines. “We are working with our distributors to ensure that there is enough inventory to fill prescriptions quickly,” Novo Nordisk said on its website.