CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) is proud to support the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) and the global hemophilia community in recognizing World Hemophilia Day which raises awareness for and supports individuals living with inherited bleeding disorders. Biogen is advancing the WFH World Hemophilia Day mission through the development of innovative therapies, disease education, and by increasing access to clotting factor in emerging markets where there is critical need.
“Biogen shares the World Federation of Hemophilia’s vision of quality and equitable care for all. We work every day in the labs, and with the bleeding disorders community to bring our expertise in hemophilia and our passion for innovation to meaningfully improve the lives of patients,” said Paula Cobb, SVP, Rare Disease Group at Biogen.
As part of the largest donation of its kind, Biogen and its collaborator Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) recently began delivering up to 500 million international units (IUs) of clotting factor to people with hemophilia in the developing world through WFH. This endeavor, which includes supporting necessary infrastructure and supply chain needs, is intended to allow the WFH to dramatically expand its Humanitarian Aid Program. This initiative is part of a multi-year commitment to donate up to 1 billion IUs of hemophilia therapy for humanitarian use.
On the days surrounding World Hemophilia Day, which is honored annually on April 17, Biogen will join with the WFH and local advocacy organizations to drive a number of activities across the U.S., with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging ongoing support for the hemophilia community. This year, Biogen will:
- Collaborate with hemophilia advocacy groups to light up in red 14 major structures in U.S. cities, including The Helmsley Building in New York City; Zakim Bridge, Prudential Tower and South Station in Boston; The Wrigley Building in Chicago; Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles City Hall; Pacific Science Center in Seattle; and The Monarch in Austin, Texas, to name a few; and
- Work with U.S. advocacy groups to co-host the ‘Factor Factory Challenge:’ family-friendly community events where participants will build novel contraptions showcasing the blood-clotting cascade; and
- Share messages of support through social media; Biogen will donate to the WFH $5 per “share” and $1 per “like” of designated posts on Biogen’s CoRe Facebook and @Biogen channels during the week of WHD, up to a maximum of $10,000.
“World Hemophilia Day is a time for us to come together as a community to support and advocate for each other,” said Val Bias, chief executive officer of the National Hemophilia Foundation. “Whether through unique community activities, committing to humanitarian aid for developing countries, or other initiatives to raise awareness of bleeding disorders -- this day provides an opportunity for communities and companies around the world to work together to change the future of hemophilia.”
To learn more about hemophilia and how you can support the global community, visit www.wfh.org. To join Biogen in celebrating World Hemophilia Day, visit Facebook.com/BiogenHemophiliaCoRes and Twitter.com/BiogenHemCoRes.
About Hemophilia A and B
Hemophilia is a rare, genetic
disorder in which the ability of a person's blood to clot is impaired.
Hemophilia A occurs in about one in 5,000 male births annually, and more
rarely in females, affecting about 16,000 people in the United States.
Hemophilia B occurs in about one in 25,000 male births annually, and
more rarely in females, affecting about 4,000 people in the United
States. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 400,000 people are
living with hemophilia.
People with hemophilia A or B experience prolonged bleeding episodes that can cause pain, irreversible joint damage and life-threatening hemorrhages. Prophylactic infusions of factor VIII or IX can temporarily replace the missing clotting factors that are needed to control bleeding and prevent new bleeding episodes.2 The Medical and Scientific Advisory Council of the National Hemophilia Foundation recommends prophylaxis as the optimal therapy for people with severe hemophilia A or B.3
About Biogen
Through cutting-edge science and medicine,
Biogen discovers, develops and delivers worldwide innovative therapies
for people living with serious neurological, autoimmune and rare
diseases. Founded in 1978, Biogen is one of the world’s oldest
independent biotechnology companies and patients worldwide benefit from
its leading multiple sclerosis and innovative hemophilia therapies. For
more information, please visit www.biogen.com.
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References:
1. World Federation of Hemophilia. The Clotting Process. Updated January 2014. Available at: http://www.wfh.org/en/page.aspx?pid=635. Accessed on April 13, 2016.
2. Hemophilia Federation of America. What is Hemophilia? Available at: http://www.hemophiliafed.org/bleeding-disorders/hemophilia/treatment/. Accessed on April 13, 2016
3. Hemophilia Federation of America. MASAC Recommendation Concerning Prophylaxis. Available at: https://www.hemophilia.org/Researchers-Healthcare-Providers/Medical-and-Scientific-Advisory-Council-MASAC/MASAC-Recommendations/MASAC-Recommendation-Concerning-Prophylaxis. Accessed on April 13, 2016.
