News Feature | May 15, 2014

Biogen Idec And Sobi Join World Federation Of Hemophilia Aid Program

By Cyndi Root

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Biogen Idec and Sobi have joined the humanitarian aid program at the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). The WFH has been providing leadership in bleeding disorders for 50 years. Biogen and Sobi have pledged to provide clotting factor therapy, up to 500 million IUs, over five years. An additional 5000 million IUs of clotting factor is earmarked for future distribution. The new pledge by Biogen and Sobi is part of a wider effort to include pharmaceutical companies in raising the standard of care in the developing world.

WFH President Alain Weill said, “The WFH humanitarian aid program would exist in name only if not for the generous donations we receive from companies such as Biogen Idec and Sobi. Their generosity today brings us 500 million steps closer to making the WFH vision of treatment for all a reality.”

Biogen Idec and Sobi Contribution

Biogen Idec and Sobi develop and market hemophilia treatments. Their contributions add social capital to their brand and provide them additional data on their products. Biogen will supply the product under these terms:

  • At least 85 percent of donated factor will be Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein for the treatment of hemophilia A, contingent upon approval of a Biologics License Application (BLA) currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • The remainder (15 percent) comprises Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein for the treatment of hemophilia B.

The first shipments are to begin in the second half of 2015. Biogen and Sobi join other donors like Baxter, Bayer, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer, who contribute products and/or financial resources. 

World Federation of Hemophilia

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is an international not-for profit organization established in 1963. The global network of patient organizations present in 122 countries is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Donations provide a predictable supply of factor therapy in developing countries. With the clotting factor on hand, health care professionals can treat an estimated 2,000 severe bleeding episodes and another 75,000 mild to moderate episodes. Additionally, the clotting factors enable elective procedures and surgeries.