In September, 2015, the U.S. FDA approved NUWIQ®, a recombinant antihemophilic factor (protein essential for normal blood clothing) developed by Octapharma AG, for the treatment of hemophilia A in children and adults.
The drug was aimed to be available in the U.S. marketplace by early 2016, and hemophilia patients can currently apply for a free trial on the official page of NUWIQ® USA.
There are current therapies in the market for the treatment of hemophilia A, but it is difficult to develop inhibitors and conduct multiple infusions on a preventative basis.
NUWIQ®, on the other hand, is an intravenous therapy option that includes approved on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes through routine preventative action and perioperative management.
NUWIQ® is also special because it is the first “B-domain deleted recombinant Factor VIII derived from a human cell-line, not fused with another protein nor chemically modified,” that has been designed for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A. This means that NUWIQ® more closely resembles the Factor VIII protein that the body naturally produces than other drugs.
Throughout all of the clinical trials for NUWIQ®, 135 total patients with hemophilia A were treated, including adults, adolescents, and children. Overall efficacy of the infusions was rated as excellent or good in the upper 92-97% of patients, depending on what was being measured (prophylactic efficacy, spontaneous bleeds, surgical prophylaxis, etc.)
These results prove extremely encouraging for patients with hemophilia A.
Octapharma USA has pledged to continue to commit to education and support in use of NUWIQ® so that the disabling symptoms of hemophilia A can be better managed and treated in all patients. Needless to say, the company’s unwavering support of patients with coagulation disorders is finally paying off. President of Octapharma USA, Flemming Nielsen said,
“NUWIQ® has demonstrated safety and efficacy in global clinical trials and has the potential to positively impact patients’ quality of life in the years ahead.”
To find out more about hemophilia A, including symptoms and other treatment options, click here.
