Hemophilia — also known as the royal disease — is a usually inherited bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly.
Published Jul 26, 2024 | 5:28 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 26, 2024 | 5:28 PM
Red Blood Cells. (iStock)
Extending a relief to haemophilia patients in the state, the Kerala government said on Friday, 26 July, that it has decided to use the drug Emicizumab to treat all children below the age of 18 having the disorder. Around 300 children are expected to benefit from this.
Haemophilia — also known as the royal disease — is a usually inherited bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly.
According to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, it will be implemented as part of the comprehensive health program Ashadhara, launched to ensure proper care and treatment for haemophilia patients.
Emicizumab is a medication used to prevent bleeding episodes in people with haemophilia.
It’s a bio-specific antibody that helps blood to clot normally, reducing the risk of bleeding complications.
It is usually administered via injection once a week and has been shown to significantly reduce bleeding episodes in people with haemophilia.
Kerala has been providing prophylaxis (preventive) treatment, since 2021.
The minister said that this is the first time such a large number of patients are receiving this treatment in India.
The drug was approved for use in Haemophilia A patients who are resistant to other drugs in November 2017 by the United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). In March 2018, the FDA approved its use for all Haemophilia A patients.
“This revolutionary decision is a step towards ensuring a life free from bleeding and disability for Haemophilia patients. Emicizumab has been provided to selected patients since 2021, and the decision to extend it to all patients below 18 is based on the success of the treatment,” said George.
“This will reduce the frequency of hospital visits and injections, improving the quality of life for patients and their families,” she added.
Kerala has around 2000 haemophilia patients registered under the Ashadhara programme.
The state government has decentralised treatment, making it available in over 72 hospitals, compared to just a few medical colleges and Aluva Taluk Hospital earlier.
There are two main types of haemophilia: Haemophilia A, which occurs due to low amounts of clotting factor VIII (a type of blood protein), and haemophilia B, which occurs due to low levels of clotting factor IX (another blood protein).
The disease is usually inherited from the X chromosomes of the patient’s parents who carry a non-functional gene.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
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