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Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder characterized by prolonged blood clotting time. Individuals with haemophilia have deficient or defective coagulation (or clotting) proteins in their bloodstream, which causes the body to bleed uncontrollably from even minor injuries. The two most common forms of haemophilia are:
Haemophilia A - characterized by deficient or defective clotting factor VIII.
Haemophilia B - caused by deficient or defective clotting factor IX.
The World Federation of Hemophilia estimates more than 350,000 people globally have a form of the disease. Haemophilia is an X-linked (or sex linked) inherited disorder that can be passed along by females who carry a recessive gene for the disease. Most people with haemophilia are male offspring of these carriers. Haemophilia, a potentially life-threatening disease, is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the amount of bleeding that results from minor injuries.
For many years, haemophilia has been treated through the use of replacement factor VIII and factor IX products. These therapeutic products are derived from human blood plasma and infused in patients with haemophilia to prevent uncontrolled bleeding.
Bayer Biological Products (BP) is committed to being a leading provider of a steady stream of life saving products, as well as professional support for treaters, and a variety of educational and recreational services for patients and their families. Significant investments in professional organizations, societies, and congresses, demonstrate the Bayer BP commitment to those who research, treat, and provide care for haemophilia patients. Additionally, Bayer BP enables programs for patients, families, and advocacy support organizations, to support, empower, and educate.
Today, in partnership with Avigen, Inc., Bayer BP is conducting research on the application of gene therapy to the treatment of haemophilia B.
For more information about haemophilia, visit the World Federation of Hemophilia website.
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