NHS England greenlights hemophilia drug

NHS England has approved the reimbursement of Hemlibra (emicizumab) for the prevention of bleeding episodes in adults and children with hemophilia A who have factor VIII inhibitors, according to the drug’s marketers, Swiss pharma giant Roche (ROG: SIX) and its majority-owned Japanese subsidiary Chugai (TYO: 4519).

“NHS England’s decision is a great step forward for people with hemophilia A,” said Liz Carroll from The Haemophilia Society, adding: “The development of inhibitors is a very serious and challenging complication of hemophilia treatment and there has been an urgent need for new options. This news means people with hemophilia A who have inhibitors will now have access on the NHS to a new treatment that could improve their quality of life.”

Brigitte Nolet, rare diseases lead at Roche UK, said: “We are delighted that NHS England has agreed to reimburse emicizumab, which has been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce bleeds in people with hemophilia A who have inhibitors compared to on-demand factor VIII bypassing agents. This announcement is credit to the collaboration between NHS England and the Clinical Reference Groups which has ensured access to emicizumab for patients with inhibitors with limited treatment options.”