The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug status to Sigilon Therapeutics’ candidate cell therapy, called SIG-001, for hemophilia A. Orphan drug status aims to encourage therapies for rare and serious diseases, through benefits such as seven years of market exclusivity and exemption from FDA application…

People with hemophilia who report better mental health may be more likely to follow their prophylactic (preventive) treatment as prescribed, according to a new study based on a survey of 78 adolescent and adult males in Brazil. Researchers said this finding “underscores the need for [clinicians treating people with…

I have battled weight and self-image issues since I was a teenager. Being present with my hospice patients day in and day out becomes draining. I take on any pain and disappointment my husband and sons experience. And when I witness my boys struggle because of hemophilia, the…

What do AA batteries, binder clips, bread ties, lip balm, pens and pencils, pliers, a glue gun, and a measuring tape have in common? They’re all items in my kitchen junk drawer. It’s a chaotic place that holds them till they’re needed at a moment’s notice. I’m grateful that it’s…

People with hemophilia have significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and overall mental distress than healthy individuals, with physical symptoms playing a role, a study in Germany found. These include “pain-related parameters, but also manifested arthropathy [joint disease] and the presence of viral infections,” the researchers wrote, which…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a clinical hold on uniQure’s gene therapy program for hemophilia B, which includes AMT-061 (etranacogene dezaparvovec), due to a possibly related serious adverse event in one patient. The event concerns a preliminary diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form…

Recent studies have addressed the importance of preventive, or prophylatic, treatment in severe cases of hemophilia, and its long-term benefits for children. The results may help establish guidelines and treatment recommendations leading to improved care for such kids. Both the World Health Organization and the World Federation of Hemophilia urge preventive treatment…

Using Hemlibra (emicizumab) as prophylaxis lowers treatment costs considerably for people with hemophilia A compared to preventative factor (FVIII) treatment, according to an economic model study. The model predicts $47,814 in savings to U.S. payers in year one, and a potential for more $3 billion in savings over 20 years…

Treatment with Idelvion (rIX-FP) helps children and adults with hemophilia B stick to prophylactic dosing schedules by reducing treatment burden, according to a study using clinical trial and real-world data. The study, “High adherence to prophylaxis regimens in haemophilia B patients receiving rIX‐FP: Evidence from clinical…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to marzeptacog alfa activated (MarzAA), a lab-made version of clotting factor VIIa for the subcutaneous (under-the-skin) treatment of episodic bleeds in hemophilia A and B patients with inhibitors. MarzAA, developed by Catalyst Biosciences, will…