The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the one-time gene therapy fidanacogene elaparvovec for treating certain adults with moderate to severe hemophilia B. The therapy will be sold under the name Beqvez as it is in Canada, where it was approved for a similar indication this…

I love assembling jigsaw puzzles. There’s a sense of satisfaction as the individual pieces come together to form a beautiful picture, and the essence of creation feels empowering. My thoughts turn to the many times when wrestling with my sons’ hemophilia felt eerily similar to working on a jigsaw puzzle.

From donning red gear to flooding social media, supporters are gearing up for World Hemophilia Day 2021 on April 17. The event is focused on raising awareness and understanding of the bleeding disorder that affects about one in 10,000 people globally. Organized by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH),…

Since my diagnosis at age 10, I’ve always received treatment at federally funded hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) — except for a brief period when my insurance didn’t cover my hematologist. Most hematologists don’t specialize in bleeding disorders, which can be complex to diagnose and treat. Without the expert care provided…

Navigating life with hemophilia in the Philippines presents unique and daunting challenges. The financial burden of treatment is one of the most significant hurdles hemophiliacs face. A 1,000-unit vial of factor IX costs up to 22,000 Philippine pesos (about $377), yet the minimum monthly wage is…

Patrice Thomas has utilized her skills as a women’s healthcare advocate to learn about marginalized communities and support structural change. Through her current position at the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM), Patrice is bringing together women with hemophilia and healthcare providers to educate and break down barriers…

January is my three-year “clotaversary,” a holiday I celebrate every year after surviving a life-threatening situation during a major surgery. I have von Willebrand disease (VWD) and hemophilia B, and without treatment, I’m at risk for dangerous bleeds during surgical procedures. In 2019, I needed a radical…

Chugai Pharmaceutical is asking regulatory authorities in Japan to extend the use of Hemlibra (emicizumab) in preventing or reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes to people with acquired hemophilia A. Hemophilia A is caused by genetic mutations that make the body unable to produce a fully functional…

Shire recently received marketing authorization from the European Commission for Adynovi [antihemophilic factor (recombinant) PEGylated], enabling access for adults and adolescents throughout Europe seeking treatment for hemophilia A. Adynovi is an extended half-life recombinant factor VIII for on-demand and prophylactic (preventive) use in patients 12 years and…

I recently noticed that our healthcare providers offer virtual visits as part of our current insurance. I was fortunate last week to attend an event hosted by the Virginia Quality Healthcare Network. The presentation featured a talk on telehealth by Dr. Karen Rheuban, co-founder and director of…