Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (Takeda) is pleased to announce the introduction of an anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine to the Philippine market. This innovative treatment offers Filipino patients with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders an advancement in their treatment options.

Overview of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process. People with this condition experience prolonged bleeding or oozing following an injury, surgery, or having a tooth pulled. In severe cases of hemophilia, continuous bleeding occurs after minor trauma or even when there is no obvious injury (sometimes called spontaneous bleeding).[ Hemophilia] This is a genetic disorder that primarily affects males because it is linked to the X chromosome. Females can be carriers of the gene and may experience mild symptoms.[ 5 Facts You Need to Know on Hemophilia] Risks associated with hemophilia include severe bleeding episodes, joint damage from internal bleeding, and a reduced quality of life due to the need for ongoing medical attention and activity limitations.

Hemophilia affects approximately 400,000 people worldwide.[ World Federation of Hemophilia Annual Global Survey 2022] In the Philippines, there are estimated to be over 10,000 individuals living with Hemophilia.[ 5 Facts You Need to Know on Hemophilia] This condition significantly impacts their quality of life, requiring ongoing medical care and management.

“As a patient diagnosed with hemophilia when I was six months old, and later in life, also diagnosed with an inhibitor, my journey has been marked by pain, perseverance, and unwavering resolve to overcome life's challenges because I had no choice. During my childhood years, I experienced agonizing pain that led me to accept the harsh reality that a pain-free and quality life was not my fate.” said Jurich Francis M. Sungcad, President of the Haemophilia Association of the Philippines, Inc. (HAPI). “I had to rely on ice and cold compresses [to control bleeding]. As I grew older, joint bleeds further limited my range of movement, degraded my self-confidence, and pushed me into isolation. But despite those hurdles, I endured every pain, picked myself up countless times, and convinced myself to never give up.”

Sungcad also recalled that it took him ten long years to finish college because he had to stop and rest each time he bled. Now, he serves as a software engineer at a leading global IT services company in the Philippines.

Joint bleeds are common in patients with hemophilia. They typically occur in spaces where two bones meet, most often in the elbows, knees, and ankles. When a joint fills with blood, the increased pressure causes pain and, if not treated, can lead to permanent damage.[ Joint Bleeds] However, joint bleeds can be prevented with standard care practices, such as prophylactic treatment. Unfortunately, with limited treatment options available, many patients with hemophilia continue to suffer from unnecessary joint bleeds and pseudotumor. Addressing these gaps in care is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with hemophilia and ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their condition effectively.

There are two main types of hemophilia: Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is often called classic hemophilia and is caused by a lack of factor VIII, a protein that helps blood clot. Hemophilia B, also known as “Christmas Disease,” results from a deficiency in factor IX.[ Hemophilia] Both types cause similar bleeding problems but require different treatments using specific clotting factor replacements.

For some people with hemophilia, standard treatments can become less effective over time due to the development of inhibitors—essentially, the body's immune system fights against the clotting factor treatments. This is where the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex comes in. It's a breakthrough medication that helps bypass these inhibitors, allowing better control of bleeding and improving the daily lives of those affected.

“The journey to bring the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine to the Philippines has been one of perseverance and dedication. We are honored to introduce this innovative treatment [anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine] to the Philippines. This milestone is part of our commitment to advancing healthcare and help improve the quality of life of hemophilia patients in our country.” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda in Philippines “We are aware that affordability remains a pressing concern for many patients, and we are pleased to share that we are making this treatment 70% more affordable than the other available treatment options.”

Hope for Treatment

The event launch featured insightful discussions from leading healthcare professionals, including the former President of the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT), Dr. Marilou Amurao-Abiera, who presented pediatric cases of patients with acute bleeding and explained the mechanism of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine. Dr. Mirasol also shared that this drug is now part of the Philippines' priority Health Technology Assessment (HTA) list and included in the accelerated Philippine National Formulary (PNF) track. Once approved, more Filipino patients with hemophilia can have access to treatment with the support of the government.

The launch provided an avenue to discuss developments in hemophilia care, the benefits of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine, and its life-changing impact on hemophilia patients.

Clinical Associate Professor of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Dr. Ma. Angelina Mirasol, also discussed navigating a perioperative case of an adult patient with hemophilia. She explained the specific challenges and considerations required to safely navigate the perioperative period for such patients, including the careful planning and coordination needed to manage bleeding risks, optimize treatment protocols, and ensure successful surgical outcomes while minimizing complications.

Meanwhile, Consultant Hematologist and former Head of the Department of Hematology at Ampang Hospital in Malaysia, Dr. Jameela Sathar, shared success stories of her group's partnership with the government to raise awareness, promote education, and advance hemophilia advocacies. She also highlighted Malaysia's progress in hemophilia care. Despite having a limited number of cases, they were able to obtain factors from plasma in 1980 and established a system that supports factor replacement. As a result, hemophilia medications have been included in their formulary since 2012.

Giving hemophilia patients hope, the speakers underscored significant advancements in the management and treatment of hemophilia, highlighting that with proper medical interventions, ongoing support, and collaborative efforts, individuals with hemophilia can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Patient advocate and HAPI President, Jurich Francis M. Sungcad, also recalled the transformative experience he had when he received a donation of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine after a severe bleeding incident back in 2007. It remarkably reduced his pain within a week and gave him hope to survive.

Sheryll Corpuz, Takeda Access to Medicines Lead, reiterated that the launch of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine is more than just an introduction but a symbol of hope to make hemophilia care a reality for everyone.

With an 80-year legacy of developing treatments for rare and complex chronic diseases, Takeda remains committed to ensuring that patients and healthcare providers are well-informed about the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine and to its mission of bringing innovative healthcare solutions to the Filipino community. The introduction of this medicine is a testament to this commitment, providing hope and improved health outcomes for patients with hemophilia.

The anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine is a globally trusted choice for patients with Hemophilia A & B with inhibitors, with a legacy of over 40 years in the global market. It is the only bypassing agent inhibitor therapy that acts on all 3 pathways with 81% efficacy in controlling bleeding episodes within six hours of infusion.

To learn more about Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. and its initiatives, please visit https://www.takeda.com/en-ph/.

In celebration of the World Hemophilia Day on April 17, the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love & Service (HAPLOS) will spearhead a national gathering of different Hemophilia groups and support organizations at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City on April 11 to 12.

Dubbed “Count Me In,” the two-day activity seeks to raise awareness and understanding about hemophilia and related bleeding disorders. The event expects to gather around 300 persons with these conditions, along with their families and friends.

Hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, inherited platelet disorders, and other factor deficiencies are lifelong bleeding disorders that prevent blood from clotting properly.

People with bleeding disorders do not have enough of a particular clotting factor, a protein in blood that controls bleeding. The severity of a person’s bleeding disorder usually depends on the amount of clotting factor that is missing or not functioning. People with hemophilia can experience uncontrolled bleeding that can result from a seemingly minor injury. Bleeding into joints and muscles causes severe pain and disability while bleeding into major organs, such as the brain, can cause death.

According to the World Hemophilia Federation, about 10,000 Filipinos have hemophilia. On the other hand, there are about 1-million Filipinos possibly affected with von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders. However, only around 1,200 have been identified.

Despite being considered as a serious and lifelong condition, awareness for hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and inherited bleeding disorders has not gained momentum in most countries including the Philippines. As a result, significant disparities in treatment still exist, with about 75 percent receiving very inadequate treatment or no treatment at all.

Through the event in Glorietta Mall, HAPLOS hopes to educate more people with the help of PWH themselves, and create a call to action in order to close the gap in care and treatment.    

“Unlike other conditions, Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders receive little public awareness and attention. The World Hemophilia Day, celebrated by countries all over the globe, is an opportunity for the bleeding disorder community to come together, speak out, and focus on the need to improve and maintain treatment, as well as help those with the condition to live as normally as possible,” said HAPLOS President Ric Felipe.

“Count Me In” lead campaigner Andrea Echavez said the event serves as a call to action to those with hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders to be more active and be included in the National Hemophilia Registry.  

“We want to encourage people with Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders that even though our condition is life-long, we can be productive members of the society,” Echavez, who has von Willebrand Disease, said.

A former Inquirer reporter and now a communication consultation of an international organization, she said many patients feel overwhelmed with their condition especially when they experience bleeds.

“Our quality of life is definitely different from those without disorders. And we are not dismissing what our fellow patients feel. Many times bleeds can be overwhelming. But it should not stop us from striving to lead normal lives,” Echavez said.

Count Me In campaign also calls for volunteers from outside the Hemophilia community, public support for the Hemophilia community, and for government to look into the plight of persons with hemophilia.

The two-day event will feature psycho-social activities for children and youth by Kythe Foundation, fundraising activities such as sale of art work and products by persons with Hemophilia and their families, testimonials of persons with Hemophilia, medical lectures on hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, video loops in between programs, as well as entertainment by children and adults with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

There will also be a blood donation campaign with the assistance of the Philippine Red Cross.

The activity is co-organized by HAPLOS and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC). It is supported by Glorietta Mall, BusinessMirror Group of Publications, Novo Nordisk Hemophilia Foundation, Philippine Red Cross and Kythe Foundation.   ###