Roche to launch emicizumab (Hemlibra) in India for people with haemophilia A on World Haemophilia Day

Roche announced that emicizumab (Hemlibra) has been approved in India for haemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. It is indicated as a prophylactic (preventive) treatment to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes. Hemlibra is the first weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) prophylaxis injection shown to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes and improve the quality of life.

It is designed to bring together factor IXa and factor X proteins required to activate the natural coagulation cascade and restore the blood clotting process for people with haemophilia A.

All current prophylactic treatment options for people with haemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors require intravenous infusions several times a week. Even then, some people may experience joint bleeds that can lead to long-term damage.

The approval of emicizumab is an important advancement for the entire haemophilia A community. It is a first-in-class of treatments for people with severe haemophilia A, with inhibitors in nearly 20 years. The clinical evidence of Hemlibra is supported by a comprehensive and extensive development programme in haemophilia A across all ages.

According to World Federation of Haemophilia, India records for the highest number of haemophilia patients in the world. With the current birth rate in India being 32/1000, 1,3001 new patients with haemophilia are born each year. As of 2018 estimates, there are about 50,000 patients suffering from haemophilia, of which 20,000 people have been identified and there are still about 30,000 unidentified people with haemophilia in India. Lack of disease awareness and inadequate infrastructure result in high rates of under-diagnosis and sub-optimal treatment, both of which strongly influence not only the quality of life but also the lifespan of people with haemophilia.

Hemlibra is approved by multiple regulatory authorities across the world and is now also approved and available in India. In the HAVEN 1 pivotal phase III clinical study, 62.9% of patients had zero bleeds with Hemlibra prophylaxis. In the HAVEN 2 study, 87% of paediatric patients had zero treated bleeds.

Roche Products (India) Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and neuroscience.