Hemophilia B patients who switched to Rebinyn (nonacog beta pegol), an extended half-life factor IX (FIX) replacement therapy, had similar or better responses than with their previous standard or extended half-life FIX replacement therapies, a real-world study in Canada suggested. The study, “Switching to nonacog beta…

“Demi-normal.” It’s a term I’ve coined to describe how my husband, Jared, and I both live with chronic illness. Most people are familiar with the prefix “demi-,” meaning “halfway,” “almost but not quite,” or “to an inferior degree.” For instance, a demigod‘s status is above man’s, but…

Serious bleeds are often a fatal complication in people with hemophilia if not managed early, a 10-year study from Senegal shows. These findings highlight the need for prompt diagnosis of severe bleeding and early administration of replacement therapy to lower the risk of mortality. In resource-limited countries, increasing patients’ and…

My older son, Julian, and I share many interests. We are both musicians and sing the same voice part, lyric tenor. Many people who hear us sing together tell me that it’s difficult to determine who’s singing. Our voices blend as if they’re one instrument. Genetics has a lot…

There are moments in our lives that are seared into our memories. Some of those in my life include getting married, giving birth, starting a new job, and bringing my now-husband to meet my family. One vivid memory is when my obstetrician told me that I would soon know more…

Two treatment options for hemophilia A are now available to patients in Canada: Esperoct (turoctocog alfa pegol) and Zonovate (turoctocog alfa), marketed by Novo Nordisk. The therapies have been accessible through Canadian Blood Services since April 1. “As part of our continued commitment to provide support to Canadians…

Stress has been a constant issue for me. I struggle to manage it, but I’m improving. If I could jump into a time machine and travel back in time, I would tell my younger self to chill out and learn how to breathe. I am a self-employed digital marketing consultant.

In April 2018, I began writing this column. Over the four years that I’ve shared stories from my heart, I cannot believe that my family has endured many bad moments associated with hemophilia. Yet I’ve also chronicled the joyous times we celebrated, even in the middle of overwhelming darkness.

There’s something special about each day of the week. I enjoy Thursday because my weekend begins at the close of the day. I enjoy Wednesdays because it’s the middle of the week, and the weekend is closer (I think there’s a pattern here). Sundays are special because, as a…

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has agreed to review a request by CSL Behring to approve the potential gene therapy EtranaDez (etranacogene dezaparvovec) for people with hemophilia B. The request, in the form of a marketing authorization application or MAA, will be reviewed under the EMA’s accelerated assessment, meaning…