Mononine, a treatment for hemophilia B, hit the market nearly three decades ago in 1992. Since then, there have been amazing advancements in the knowledge and treatment for this disease. It is because of these advancements that mononine is being discontinued.
About Hemophilia B
Hemophilia B is one of the two forms of hemophilia, and it is characterized by a deficiency in factor IX. This dearth results in the blood being unable to clot properly. This means that affected individuals cannot stop bleeding after an injury, surgery, or accident. Symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding in the urinary and gastrointestinal tract, extended bleeding, bruising, and unprovoked bleeding that begins spontaneously. Fortunately, treatments exist for this disease. Doctors will prescribe a therapy that replaces the missing factor IX.
Mononine
Mononine was developed by CSL Behring and put on the market in 1992. It is a human plasma derived factor therapy that is meant to stop and control the bleeding that characterizes hemophilia B. Because it has been on the market for so long, new, next generation treatments have become available, making mononine not as popular or effective.
For those who still take mononine, CSL Behring ensured that they gave enough time between their announcement and supplies actually running out, which they estimate will happen in the middle of 2021. This gives patients plenty of time to meet with their doctors and find another therapy.
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