The Haemophilia Society welcomes NHSE announcement on Hemlibra

Written by Aaron Dennis, August 21, 2019

The Haemophilia Society welcomes NHS England’s announcement today that they will now fund a new treatment for patients with severe Haemophilia A called Hemlibra (emicizumab).

Prior to this, Hemlibra was only available to patients with inhibitors, but the new funding announced today means that more people will have access to this potentially life-changing treatment.

Liz Carroll – Chief Executive of The Haemophilia Society said; ‘’This is fantastic news for our community. Current treatments can require intravenous infusions multiple times a week which can place a significant burden on people with haemophilia and their carers. Today’s decision will mean that people will have the opportunity to have treatment less frequently without intravenous access which will enable many to live their lives more freely.’’

While there are several treatment types available for people with Haemophilia A, and prospects of Gene Therapy move ever closer, today’s decision will mean even greater choice for the community. While today’s announcement concentrates on England, we are confident that Scotland, Wales and NI will follow very soon, and we will do everything possible for all our communities to have access to this and other new treatments when available.

Currently there is an inquiry underway by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood investigating the current system for access to treatment for people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The report is due to be published in September 2019 with events planned at both Conservative and Labour Party Conferences.  

NHS England’s press release can be found here