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…

Sevenfact (eptacog beta) was deemed safe and effective at stopping bleeds in patients with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors, according to real-world data from a case series study in the U.S. The treatment was also more affordable than other similar therapies and effective even in patients who’d failed…

I received an email from an old friend. She remembers when my youngest son, Caeleb, was in and out of the hospital. We both have experience raising a son with hemophilia and an inhibitor. Our paths are terribly similar, and seeing her name pop up in my email was…

Treatment with abatacept, a medication approved for rheumatoid arthritis, prevented the formation of inhibitors against hemophilia A replacement therapies in a rat model, a study demonstrates. These findings support the use of abatacept to prevent immune responses against human proteins in a preclinical setting, the researchers noted. The study,…

Meaningful connections with other people are of incredible value to people with chronic illnesses. My husband, Jared, and I can both attest to this, as he lives with severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder, while I am newly diagnosed with both bipolar II disorder and the inattentive…

A single dose of the investigational gene therapy SB-525 (giroctocogene fitelparvovec) continues to prevent bleeds and the need for prophylaxis, or preventive treatment, for at least two years in men with severe hemophilia A. These are the latest results from the five men given the highest dose of the…

I recently watched the eight-episode Canadian drama miniseries “Unspeakable,” which was inspired by real events and first televised a few years ago. The series is the creation and passion of Robert C. Cooper, a writer and producer best known for his work on the television series “Stargate…

Osteoporosis and other bone disorders are more common in hemophilia carriers than in the general population, according to an analysis of U.S. insurance data. Its researchers also found a higher rate of bone problems among people with von Willebrand disease (VWD), another inherited bleeding disorder. “This study highlights the need…

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used for cancer treatment may be associated with an increased likelihood of developing acquired hemophilia A, according to an analysis of an adverse events database. Although the small number of reports do not confirm that these therapies are causing the bleeding disorder, early identification and…

I am a fierce advocate for my sons. I question doctors professionally. I say no and ask for other options. I have even found new research and treatment options to offer physicians. I do not give up and even risk being known as one of those moms. If I…