Hemophiliacs in Europe have never had so many reasons to feel hopeful about the future, thanks to significant recent scientific advances. But “vested interests, entrenched systems, and blatant, outright corruption limit access” to even basic healthcare in some Eastern European countries, says Amanda Bok, CEO of the Brussels-based European…

A single dose of the experimental gene therapy AMT-180 promotes clinically meaningful blood-clotting activity, independent of factor VIII levels, in mouse and primate models of hemophilia A, a study shows. These preclinical findings were discussed in a presentation, “Towards AAV5-Mediated Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A with a Factor IX…

Point-of-care ultrasonography enables improved diagnostic accuracy, and allows for more targeted treatment and better monitoring of therapy response in hemophilia patients with joint complications, a study suggests. The study, a review of published articles, “Point-of-care Ultrasonography in Orthopedic Management of Hemophilia: Multiple Uses of an Effective Tool,” was published…

This month, we celebrated the two holidays of Easter and Passover. Many of my Christian friends describe Easter as a celebration of freedom over sin and death due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. My Jewish friends gather to recount the story of Passover, a celebration of freedom from slavery…

A gene therapy-based factor VIIa (FVIIa) given as prophylactic, or preventative, treatment was seen to produce specific factor levels needed to reduce the frequency of spontaneous bleeding episodes in a rat model of hemophilia A. According to scientists, this work may be a first step in developing therapies that…

To help people understand the science behind hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, digital content agency Believe Limited will present its first science fair this fall. Sponsored by commercial gene therapy company Spark Therapeutics, the science fair will be held at the National Hemophilia Foundation’s 71st Bleeding Disorders Conference…

A combination of Cyklokapron and Feiba — usually avoided due to a perceived risk of blood clots — appears to be safe and effective for treating patients with acquired hemophilia A (AHA), though these early study results need to be confirmed in clinical trials, researchers in Italy say. The study, “…

Recognizing risk factors of thrombosis and carefully monitoring medication doses are crucial for minimizing thrombotic complications in older patients with acquired hemophilia and serious illnesses like cardiovascular disease, a report describing four cases says. The study, “Acquired Haemophilia A. Which is the best therapeutic choice in older adults? Single…

A genetic mutation for hemophilia has passed through five generations of my family. We can trace it from my great-grandfather, known simply as a “bleeder,” to my nephew. My great-grandfather passed the genetic mutation to my grandmother. My grandmother passed the genetic mutation to my father. My father…