Gene Therapy with Fidanacogene Elaparvovec in Adults with Hemophilia B.

BACKGROUND: Fidanacogene elaparvovec, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene-therapy vector for hemophilia B containing a high-activity human factor IX variant (FIX-R338L/FIX-Padua), was associated with sustained factor IX activity in a phase 1-2a study. METHODS: We conducted a phase 3 open-label study of fidanacogene elaparvovec at a dose of 5×1011 vector genome copies per kilogram of body weight. Men 18 to 65 years of age with hemophilia B and a factor IX level of 2% or less were eligible for screening if they had received at least 6 months of therapy with prophylactic factor IX concentrate. The primary end point, tested for noninferiority, was the annualized bleeding rate (treated and untreated bleeding episodes) from week 12 to month 15 after treatment with fidanacogene elaparvovec as compared with the prophylaxis lead-in period. Superiority, additional efficacy end points, and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 316 men who underwent screening for the lead-in study, 204 (64.6%) were not eligible; 188 (59.5%) of those were ineligible owing to the presence of anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies. Of the 45 participants who received fidanacogene elaparvovec, 44 completed at least 15 months of follow-up. The annualized rate of bleeding for all bleeding episodes decreased by 71%, from 4.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80 to 7.05) at baseline to 1.28 (95% CI, 0.57 to 1.98) after gene therapy, a treatment difference of -3.15 episodes (95% CI, -5.46 to -0.83; P = 0.008). This result shows the noninferiority and superiority of fidanacogene elaparvovec to prophylaxis. At 15 months, the mean factor IX activity was 26.9% (median, 22.9%; range, 1.9 to 119.0) by one-stage SynthASil assay. A total of 28 participants (62%) received glucocorticoids for increased aminotransferase levels or decreased factor IX levels (or both) starting between 11 and 123 days. No infusion-related serious adverse events, thrombotic events, development of factor IX inhibitors, or malignant conditions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fidanacogene elaparvovec was superior to prophylaxis for the treatment of participants with hemophilia B, leading to reduced bleeding and stable factor IX expression. (Funded by Pfizer; BENEGENE-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03861273.).

Phase 3 Trial of Concizumab in Hemophilia with Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Concizumab is an anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor monoclonal antibody designed to achieve hemostasis in all hemophilia types, with subcutaneous administration. A previous trial of concizumab (explorer4) established proof of concept in patients with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. METHODS: We conducted the explorer7 trial to assess the safety and efficacy of concizumab in patients with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to receive no prophylaxis for at least 24 weeks (group 1) or concizumab prophylaxis for at least 32 weeks (group 2) or were nonrandomly assigned to receive concizumab prophylaxis for at least 24 weeks (groups 3 and 4). After a treatment pause due to nonfatal thromboembolic events in three patients receiving concizumab, including one from the explorer7 trial, concizumab therapy was restarted with a loading dose of 1.0 mg per kilogram of body weight, followed by 0.2 mg per kilogram daily (potentially adjusted on the basis of concizumab plasma concentration as measured at week 4). The primary end-point analysis compared treated spontaneous and traumatic bleeding episodes in group 1 and group 2. Safety, patient-reported outcomes, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 133 enrolled patients, 19 were randomly assigned to group 1 and 33 to group 2; the remaining 81 were assigned to groups 3 and 4. The estimated mean annualized bleeding rate in group 1 was 11.8 episodes (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.0 to 19.9), as compared with 1.7 episodes (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.9) in group 2 (rate ratio, 0.14 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.29]; P<0.001). The overall median annualized bleeding rate for patients receiving concizumab (groups 2, 3, and 4) was 0 episodes. No thromboembolic events were reported after concizumab therapy was restarted. The plasma concentrations of concizumab remained stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors, the annualized bleeding rate was lower with concizumab prophylaxis than with no prophylaxis. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; explorer7 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04083781.).

Development of a Plasminogen Population PK model supporting prophylactic replacement therapy for Plasminogen deficient patients within the WAPPS-Hemo platform.

INTRODUCTION: Plasminogen deficiency is an ultra rare disease whose patients may develop ligneous lesions if untreated. Prophylactic replacement therapy with plasma derived plasminogen, Ryplazim, is efficient in treating lesions and could benefit from pharmacokinetic (PK) tailoring. AIM: The objectives of this study are to develop, evaluate and integrate into the WAPPS-Hemo platform a Population PK model supporting prophylactic replacement therapy for Plasminogen deficient patients. METHODS: Population PK modelling and evaluations followed the same protocol performed for factor VIII and IX concentrates. Limited sampling analysis used dosing and sampling scenarios in accordance with recommended treatment for Ryplazim. RESULTS: The population PK model, derived from 16 participants included in previous clinical studies, was a 2-compartment model whose variability was best described by fat-free mass. Evaluations showed that the model described well the data and Bayesian forecasting in limited sampling environment led to acceptable precision for PK parameters relevant to plasminogen treatment. CONCLUSION: The model was integrated into the WAPPS-Hemo webservice to help individualize prophylactic treatment in plasminogen deficient patients. Prospective PK data to be collected through the WAPPS-Hemo database will be used to better understand plasminogen PK and improve patient care.

Recombinant factor IX Fc for the treatment of hemophilia B.

Current hemophilia B treatment guidelines recommend routine prophylaxis with factor IX (FIX) replacement products, tailored to maintain plasma activity at levels that will prevent bleeds. However, plasma FIX activity may not be the primary determinant or best indicator of hemostatic efficacy due to its extravascular distribution. FIX replacement therapy has evolved to include extended half-life (EHL) products that provide effective bleed protection when administered at intervals of 7 days or longer. rFIXFc is a recombinant fusion protein with an extended circulation time. rFIXFc has a biodistribution profile consistent with distribution into extravascular space, where it may support hemostasis at sites of vessel injury independent of circulating plasma activity levels. The safety and efficacy of rFIXFc prophylaxis is well established in adults, adolescents and children including previously untreated patients with hemophilia B, with substantial evidence from clinical trials and real-world clinical practice. This review describes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of rFIXFc, summarizes available safety and efficacy data, and evaluates the use of rFIXFc in special populations. Current hemophilia B treatment challenges, including target FIX plasma levels, perioperative use, and management of patients with comorbidities, are discussed together with the potential role of EHL products in the future treatment landscape of hemophilia B.

Prophylaxis with recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein reduces the risk of bleeding and delays time to first spontaneous bleed event in previously untreated patients with haemophilia B: A post hoc analysis of the PUPs B-LONG study.

OBJECTIVES: Haemophilia B (HB), characterised by deficient factor IX (FIX), leads to spontaneous bleeds. Severe cases require prophylactic FIX replacement. This post hoc analysis assessed the first spontaneous bleeds among previously untreated patients (PUPs) with HB treated with recombinant FIX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) (NCT02234310) to identify factors influencing bleeds. METHODS: Subjects included paediatric PUPs with HB (≤2 IU/dL endogenous FIX). Analyses described treatment patterns (on demand [OD] vs. prophylaxis) and prophylaxis type (started on vs. switched to prophylaxis). Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed the time to first spontaneous bleed, including median time to event and fitting models with predictors for treatment regimen and/or baseline age. RESULTS: PUPs B-LONG enrolled 33 subjects. Baseline age did not influence the time to first spontaneous bleed for any rFIXFc regimen. Those who started on prophylaxis with rFIXFc (n = 11), compared with those treated OD (n = 22), had an extended time to first spontaneous bleed. Starting prophylaxis afforded a 93% reduced risk of first spontaneous bleed versus starting OD (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.071 [0.009-0.592]) (p = .015). CONCLUSION: rFIXFc prophylaxis, particularly starting early, reduced the risk of bleeding and delayed time to first spontaneous bleed compared with rFIXFc OD. Hence, initial treatment regimens impact bleed patterns in paediatric PUPs.

BIVV001 Fusion Protein as Factor VIII Replacement Therapy for Hemophilia A.

BACKGROUND: Factor VIII replacement products have improved the care of patients with hemophilia A, but the short half-life of these products affects the patients' quality of life. The half-life of recombinant factor VIII ranges from 15 to 19 hours because of the von Willebrand factor chaperone effect. BIVV001 (rFVIIIFc-VWF-XTEN) is a novel fusion protein designed to overcome this half-life ceiling and maintain high sustained factor VIII activity levels. Data are lacking on the safety and pharmacokinetics of single-dose BIVV001. METHODS: In this phase 1-2a open-label trial, we consecutively assigned 16 previously treated men (18 to 65 years of age) with severe hemophilia A (factor VIII activity, <1%) to receive a single intravenous injection of recombinant factor VIII at a dose of 25 IU per kilogram of body weight (lower-dose group) or 65 IU per kilogram (higher-dose group). This injection was followed by a washout period of at least 3 days. The patients then received a single intravenous injection of BIVV001 at the same corresponding dose of either 25 IU or 65 IU per kilogram. Adverse events and pharmacokinetic measurements were assessed. RESULTS: No inhibitors to factor VIII were detected and no hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis events were reported up to 28 days after the injection of single-dose BIVV001. The geometric mean half-life of BIVV001 was three to four times as long as that of recombinant factor VIII (37.6 hours vs. 9.1 hours in the lower-dose group and 42.5 vs. 13.2 hours in the higher-dose group); the area under the curve (AUC) for product exposure was six to seven times as great in the two dose groups (4470 hours vs. 638 hours × IU per deciliter in the lower-dose group and 12,800 hours vs. 1960 hours × IU per deciliter in the higher-dose group). After the injection of BIVV001 in the higher-dose group, the mean factor VIII level was in the normal range (≥51%) for 4 days and 17% at day 7, which suggested the possibility of a weekly interval between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: In a small, early-phase study involving men with severe hemophilia A, a single intravenous injection of BIVV001 resulted in high sustained factor VIII activity levels, with a half-life that was up to four times the half-life associated with recombinant factor VIII, an increase that could signal a new class of factor VIII replacement therapy with a weekly treatment interval. No safety concerns were reported during the 28-day period after administration. (Funded by Sanofi and Sobi; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03205163.).

Global epidemiology of factor XI deficiency: A targeted review of the literature and foundation reports.

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a rare coagulation disorder that may result in excessive bleeding requiring intervention to restore haemostasis. AIM: The aim of this review was to report the current knowledge of the worldwide incidence and prevalence of FXI deficiency. METHODS: A targeted PubMed search using terms related to FXI deficiency was conducted to identify studies published from April 2002 through April 2022. A manual search supplemented the electronic search. Studies were eligible for data abstraction if they reported population-based incidence proportions/rates or prevalence proportions for FXI deficiency. RESULTS: The electronic and manual searches returned 253 publications. After applying exclusion criteria, seven publications were included in the analysis, including a global report from the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH). Six publications provided information on the prevalence of FXI deficiency that included 74 countries and regions. The estimated prevalence of FXI in the WFH report ranged from 0/100,000 in several countries to 55.85/100,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. Prevalence estimates in the PubMed findings ranged from .1 to 246.2/1,000,000 inhabitants with varying methods of case identification and time periods of analysis. One study estimated the incidence of FXI deficiency in Yecla, Spain at 2% of blood donors and .09% of hospital inpatients/outpatients with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests. CONCLUSION: FXI deficiency is rare across the world, but additional steps could be taken to improve incidence and prevalence estimation, for example, development of a consistent FXI deficiency definition and incorporating genetic testing into a clinical routine to better identify and characterise cases.

Plasminogen, human-tvmh for the treatment of children and adults with plasminogen deficiency type 1.

AIM: An open-label phase 2/3 study of plasminogen, human-tvmh administered intravenously in paediatric and adult subjects with type 1 plasminogen deficiency was conducted. Interim data was previously reported. The final data on 15 subjects who completed the study up to a maximum of 124 weeks are reported here. METHODS: The primary objectives were to evaluate efficacy of plasminogen replacement therapy on clinically evident or visible lesions during 48 weeks of dosing and to achieve an increase in trough plasminogen activity levels by at least an absolute 10% above baseline during 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved, as 100% of subjects (n = 11) with visible and assessable non-visible lesions at baseline demonstrated ≥ 50% improvement after 48 weeks of study drug treatment with plasminogen, human-tvmh. All subjects achieved the targeted ≥ 10% increase in trough plasminogen activity above baseline through Week 12. Plasminogen, human-tvmh at a dose of 6.6 mg/kg administered every 2-5 days for 48 weeks and every 1-7 days for up to 124 weeks was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This study provides additional evidence regarding the long-term safety and clinical utility of replacement therapy with human plasminogen for the treatment of children and adults with type 1 plasminogen deficiency. Plasminogen, human-tvmh received marketing approval on June 4, 2021. This trial was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov as #NCT02690714.

Psychometrics and applications of a novel self-report measure of emicizumab adherence: VERITASNexGen.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment adherence is critical to minimize bleeding episodes in persons with haemophilia. Suboptimal adherence increases risk of adverse medical outcomes and negatively impacts quality of life. Assessment of treatment adherence is therefore an integral component of intervention to mitigate the adverse impacts of haemophilia. AIM: To develop and validate a multifactorial, patient (self or caregiver) report adherence measure for emicizumab treatment and report the first patient-report data on adherence to specific components of emicizumab treatment (dosing, timing, injection, planning and bleeds). METHODS: An IRB approved multi-site prospective study enrolled 83 participants with factor VIII deficiency being treated with emicizumab. Participants completed the 25-item VERITAS NexGen (self-report from 50 adults age 18+ years; caregiver-report from 33 parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years) as well as a global adherence rating (GAR) scale. Providers of participants also completed a GAR scale. RESULTS: Most VERITAS-NexGen subscales had good-to-excellent internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and validity. VERITASNexGen scores revealed globally strong patient-reported adherence; however timing and bleed management were reported as greater challenges to adherence compared to dosing and injections. Adults struggled more with timing and planning of injections than caregivers. CONCLUSION: The VERITASNexGen is the first validated multifactorial patient-report measure of adherence designed specifically for emicizumab treatment. Results suggest excellent adherence, with only 4%-13% of participants reporting suboptimal adherence to different components of the treatment regimen. Used in conjunction with other adherence measures, VERITAS-NexGen meets a crucial need for monitoring and understanding patient adherence to emicizumab in clinical and research settings.

Therapeutic and technological advancements in haemophilia care: Quantum leaps forward.

INTRODUCTION: Recent technological innovations in haemophilia have advanced at an astounding pace, including gene therapy programmes and bioengineered molecules for prophylaxis, products that reduce treatment burden through half-life extension, unique mechanisms of action, and subcutaneous administration. Additional technological advancements have emerged that are anticipated to further transform haemophilia care. AIM: Review new and emerging haemophilia therapies, including replacement and bypassing products, digital applications, utilisation of big data, and personalised medicine. METHODS: Data were obtained from peer-reviewed presentations/publications, and ongoing studies in haemophilia, ultrasonography, and artificial intelligence (AI). RESULTS: Available treatments include new recombinant factors VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX), extended half-life FVIII/IX products, a new FVIIa product for inhibitor patients, and a FVIIIa-mimetic. Several novel therapeutics are in clinical trials, including FVIIIa mimetics and inhibitors of naturally-occurring anticoagulants. Ongoing gene therapy trials suggest that a single vector infusion using an optimised construct can produce factor activity that reduces bleeding to near zero for years. Today, persons with haemophilia (PwH) approach a lifespan comparable to that of the general population, presenting treatment challenges for age-related co-morbidities. Technological innovations have broadened beyond therapeutics to include large database analyses utilising remote data collection with handheld devices, and to tailor AI applications. Current development efforts include patient-performed ultrasonography, algorithms for scan interpretation, and point-of-care haemostatic testing devices. CONCLUSIONS: We have entered a golden age for haemophilia treatment and care with wide-ranging advancements targeting improved quality of life (QoL). Future-focused efforts by clinical and patient communities may provide equitable access and care for people impacted by haemophilia worldwide.

Quality of life in a large multinational haemophilia B cohort (The B-Natural study) - Unmet needs remain.

INTRODUCTION: The B-Natural study is a multicentre, multinational, observational study of haemophilia B (HB) designed to increase understanding of clinical manifestations, treatment and quality of life (QoL). AIM: To characterise and compare QoL in HB across disease severity groups and individuals with inhibitors to identify gaps in treatment. METHODS: A total of 224 individuals from 107 families were enrolled from a total of 24 centres in North America (n = 16), Europe (n = 7) and Asia (n = 1). Of these, 68 (30.4%) subjects had severe (<1 IU/dL), median age 15.6 years, 114 (50.9%) moderate (1-5 IU/dL), age 13.3 years, and 42 (18.8%) mild (>5-< 40 IU/dL), age 12.1 years, disease. Twenty-nine participants had inhibitors or a history of inhibitors. Three versions of the EQ-5D instrument were used as a measure of QoL: proxy (ages 4-7), youth (ages 8-15) and self (age 16+). Each instrument included a visual analogue scale ranging from 100 (best health) to 0 (worst health) to assess current day's health (EQ VAS). Range-of-motion (ROM) for elbows, knees and ankles was assessed using a four-point scale, from which a composite score was calculated. RESULTS: In all severity groups, a proportion of subjects showed less than optimal QoL. The majority of the mild and moderate severe participants reported a normal EQ-5D health profile (79% and 72%, respectively), whereas about half (47%) of the severe participants and only 13% of the inhibitor participants reported this profile. CONCLUSION: The B-Natural study reveals impacted QoL in all disease severities of HB including those with inhibitors. Unmet needs remain and include nonsevere HB.

Eptacog beta efficacy and safety in the treatment and control of bleeding in paediatric subjects (<12 years) with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Eptacog beta is a new recombinant activated human factor VII bypassing agent approved in the United States for the treatment and control of bleeding in patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors 12 years of age or older. AIM: To prospectively assess in a phase 3 clinical trial (PERSEPT 2) eptacog beta efficacy and safety for treatment of bleeding in children <12 years of age with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors. METHODS: Using a randomised crossover design, subjects received initial doses of 75 or 225 µg/kg eptacog beta followed by 75 µg/kg dosing at predefined intervals (as determined by clinical response) to treat bleeding episodes (BEs). Treatment success criteria included a haemostasis evaluation of 'excellent' or 'good' without use of additional eptacog beta, alternative haemostatic agent or blood product, and no increase in pain following the first 'excellent' or 'good' assessment. RESULTS: Treatment success proportions in 25 subjects (1-11 years) who experienced 546 mild or moderate BEs were 65% in the 75 µg/kg initial dose regimen (IDR) and 60% in the 225 µg/kg IDR 12 h following initial eptacog beta infusion. By 24 h, the treatment success proportions were 97% for the 75 µg/kg IDR and 98% for the 225 µg/kg IDR. No thrombotic events, allergic reactions, neutralising antibodies or treatment-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Both 75 and 225 µg/kg eptacog beta IDRs provided safe and effective treatment and control of bleeding in children <12 years of age.

Utilization of a surgical database to provide care and assess perioperative treatment and outcomes in patients with bleeding disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC) surgical database, its key components, and exploratory analyses of surgeries conducted between 1998 and 2019. METHODS: Surgical data across bleeding disorders collected retrospectively (1998-2006) and prospectively (2006-2019) were analyzed. Perioperative hemostasis, complications, and surgical plan deviations were compared by bleeding disorder diagnosis and data collection period. RESULTS: Within the 21-year period, 3246 procedures were conducted in 1413 patients with a diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (vWD), hemophilia A (HA), hemophilia B (HB), and other bleeding disorders. Majority of the procedures were minor (63.3%), and median number of surgeries per patient was 1 (range: 1-22). Adequate perioperative hemostasis was achieved in 90.9%, complications occurred in 13.6%, and surgical plan deviations occurred in 31.3% of procedures. Inadequate perioperative hemostasis and surgical plan deviations occurred more frequently in procedures involving HB compared with other bleeding disorders. Complications were not significantly different across bleeding disorders (p = .164). The prospective data collection period was associated with higher rates of hemostatic efficacy (92.4% vs. 88.3%; p < .001), complications (14.3% vs. 12.3%; p < .001), and plan deviations (34.2% vs. 25.1%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: The surgical database is an important resource in surgical management in patients with bleeding disorders. Further evaluation will facilitate use for the development of predictive models and principles of care.

Subcutaneous concizumab prophylaxis in hemophilia A and hemophilia A/B with inhibitors: phase 2 trial results.

Results from the main parts (24 weeks) of 2 concizumab phase 2 trials are presented: explorer4 in hemophilia A (HA) or B (HB) with inhibitors (HAwI/HBwI) and explorer5 in HA. The trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of daily subcutaneous concizumab prophylaxis (evaluated as annualized bleeding rate [ABR] at last dose level), with secondary objectives being safety and immunogenicity (assessed as number of adverse events [AEs] and antidrug antibodies [ADAs]). Patients received 0.15 mg/kg concizumab, with potential dose escalation to 0.20 and 0.25 mg/kg (if ≥3 spontaneous bleeding episodes within 12 weeks of concizumab treatment). Relevant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters were assessed. Thirty-six HA, 9 HAwI, and 8 HBwI patients were exposed to concizumab. Most inhibitor patients (15 of 17; 88.2%) did not escalate the dose; all patients chose to continue to the extension phase of the trials. Clinical proof of concept for prevention of bleeding episodes was demonstrated in both trials. Estimated ABRs in HAwI and HBwI were lower vs HA: 3.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7; 5.3) and 5.9 (95% CI, 4.2; 8.5) vs 7.0 (95% CI, 4.6; 10.7), respectively. PK/PD results were as expected, with no difference between hemophilia subtypes for concizumab exposure, free tissue factor pathway inhibitor, thrombin generation, prothrombin fragment 1+2, and d-dimers. Concizumab was safe and well tolerated (no severe AEs, AE-related withdrawals, or thromboembolic events). Three patients had (very low to medium titer) ADA+ tests in each trial, with no observed clinical effect. These results support further development of concizumab as a daily prophylactic treatment in all hemophilia patients. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03196284 and #NCT03196297.

Management of people with haemophilia A undergoing surgery while receiving emicizumab prophylaxis: Real-world experience from a large comprehensive treatment centre in the US.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is frequently required in persons with haemophilia A (PwHA). Emicizumab, a bispecific, humanized monoclonal antibody, bridges activated factor (F) IX and FX. Management of patients undergoing surgery while receiving emicizumab is of clinical interest due to paucity of data. AIM: Review real-world experience of PwHA with/without FVIII inhibitors who required surgery while receiving emicizumab prophylaxis. METHODS: Data regarding peri-operative management, including type of surgery, haemostatic agent use and bleeding complications, were collected for PwHA receiving emicizumab undergoing surgery between 25/10/18 and 31/12/19 at the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center. Analyses were exploratory and descriptive. RESULTS: Twenty minor and five major surgeries were performed in 17 and five patients, respectively. Overall, 9/20 minor surgeries were planned to occur with emicizumab as the sole haemostatic agent; of these, four required additional coagulation factor (2 due to haematomas following port removals, 1 due to oozing at port removal site, 1 due to bleeding following squamous cell carcinoma removal). Three of the 11 minor surgeries with planned additional coagulation factor resulted in non-major bleeds; all were safely managed with additional coagulation factor. All five major surgeries were planned with additional haemostatic agents; there was 1 bleed in a patient undergoing elbow synovectomy with nerve transposition, likely triggered by physical/occupational therapy. There were no major bleeds, thrombotic events or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Additional haemostatic agent use is safe in PwHA undergoing surgery while receiving emicizumab. Additional data are needed to determine the optimal dosing/length of treatment of additional haemostatic agents to lower bleeding risk.

The B-Natural study-The outcome of immune tolerance induction therapy in patients with severe haemophilia B.

INTRODUCTION: Inhibitors develop less frequently in haemophilia B (HB) than haemophilia A (HA). However, when present, the success of tolerization by immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy is lower and the risk of complications higher. AIM: To evaluate the use and outcome of ITI in patients with HB and inhibitors. METHODS: Subjects include singletons or siblings with a current/history of inhibitors enrolled in B-Natural-an observational study designed to increase understanding of clinical management of patients with HB. Patients were followed for 6 months and information on demographics, medical and social history, and treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with severe HB and inhibitors were enrolled in 24 centres. Twenty-two underwent one or more courses of ITI with or without immune suppression. Eight patients (36.4%) were successfully tolerized after the first course of ITI. One of these successes (12.5%) experienced allergic manifestations, whereas the corresponding number for the 10 treatment failures was five (50%). One of seven (14.2%) patients with large deletions and three of eight (37.5%) with nonsense mutations were tolerized at the first attempt, and all patients experiencing nephrosis either failed or were on-going. At study end, 11 (50%) were considered successfully tolerized after one or more ITI courses, three were unsuccessful, and eight were still undergoing treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data underscore the possibilities and difficulties of achieving tolerization in patients with HB with inhibitors. The type of mutation and complications appear to correlate with ITI outcome, but more accurate definitions of successful ITI are warranted.

The effect of emicizumab prophylaxis on long-term, self-reported physical health in persons with haemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors in the HAVEN 3 and HAVEN 4 studies.

INTRODUCTION: Severe haemophilia A (HA) has a major impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). AIM: Assess the impact of emicizumab on HRQoL in persons with severe HA (PwHA) without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors in the phase 3 HAVEN 3 and 4 studies. METHODS: This pooled analysis examines the HRQoL of PwHA aged ≥ 18 years treated with emicizumab prophylaxis via Haemophilia-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adults (Haem-A-QoL) and EuroQoL 5-Dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L). In particular, changes from baseline in Haem-A-QoL 'Physical Health' (PH) domain and 'Total Score' (TS) are evaluated. RESULTS: Among 176 evaluable participants, 96 (55%) had received prior episodic treatment and 80 (45%) prophylaxis; 70% had ≥ 1 target joint and 51% had experienced ≥ 9 bleeds in the previous 24 weeks. Mean Haem-A-QoL PH and TS improved after emicizumab initiation. Mean (standard deviation) -12.0 (21.26)- and -8.6 (12.57)-point improvements were observed in PH and TS from baseline to Week 73; Week 73 scores were 27.9 (24.54) and 22.0 (14.38), respectively. Fifty-four percent of participants reported a clinically meaningful improvement in PH scores (≥ 10 points) by Week 73. Subgroups with poorer HRQoL prior to starting emicizumab (i.e. receiving episodic treatment, ≥ 9 bleeds, target joints) had the greatest improvements in PH scores, and corresponding reductions in missed workdays; change was not detected among those previously taking prophylaxis. No change over time was detected by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Emicizumab prophylaxis in PwHA without FVIII inhibitors resulted in persistent and meaningful improvements in Haem-A-QoL PH and less work disruption than previous treatment.

Natural history study of factor IX deficiency with focus on treatment and complications (B-Natural).

INTRODUCTION: Haemophilia B (HB) is less well studied than haemophilia A (HA); despite similarities between the two inherited bleeding disorders, important differences remain that require further research. AIM: B-Natural is a multi-centre, prospective, observational study of HB, designed to increase understanding of clinical manifestations, treatment, quality-of-life (QoL), inhibitor development, immune tolerance induction (ITI) outcome, renal function and create a biorepository for future investigations. METHODS: Participants include sibling pairs/groups without a current/history of inhibitors and singletons or siblings with a current/history of inhibitors followed for six months. Demographics, medical, social history and treatment were recorded. A physical examination including joint range of motion (ROM) was performed; QoL was assessed. Samples were collected for F9 gene mutation, HLA typing, non-inhibitory antibodies and renal function testing. RESULTS: Twenty-four centres enrolled 224 individuals from 107 families including 29 with current/history of inhibitors. Of these, 68, 30.4%, had severe (<1% FIX level of normal); 114, 50.9%, moderate (1%-5%); and 42, 18.8%, mild (>5-<40%) disease. At enrolment, 53.1% had 50 + exposure days to exogenous FIX. Comparison of joint scores showed significant (P < .05) differences between those with severe (with/without inhibitors), and those with moderate/mild disease. The majority with severe disease, 80.0% with current/history of inhibitors and 64.3% of those without, were treated with prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: B-Natural provides data supporting an increased understanding of HB and its impact throughout life. The need for optimal disease control to normalize physical and psychosocial outcomes is underscored, and further analyses will contribute to an increased understanding of critical issues in HB.

The safety of activated eptacog beta in the management of bleeding episodes and perioperative haemostasis in adult and paediatric haemophilia patients with inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Haemophilia patients with inhibitors often require a bypassing agent (BPA) for bleeding episode management. Eptacog beta (EB) is a new FDA-approved recombinant activated human factor VII BPA for the treatment and control of bleeding in haemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors (≥12 years of age). We describe here the EB safety profile from the three prospective Phase 3 clinical trials performed to date. AIM: To assess EB safety, immunogenicity and thrombotic potential in children and adults who received EB for treatment of bleeding and perioperative care. METHODS: Using a randomized crossover design, 27 subjects in PERSEPT 1 (12-54 years) and 25 subjects in PERSEPT 2 (1-11 years) treated bleeding episodes with 75 or 225 µg/kg EB initially followed by 75 µg/kg dosing at predefined intervals as determined by clinical response. Twelve PERSEPT 3 subjects (2-56 years) received an initial preoperative infusion of 75 µg/kg (minor procedures) or 200 µg/kg EB (major surgeries) with subsequent 75 µg/kg doses administered intraoperatively and post-operatively as indicated. Descriptive statistics were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Sixty subjects who received 3388 EB doses in three trials were evaluated. EB was well tolerated, with no allergic, hypersensitivity, anaphylactic or thrombotic events reported and no neutralizing anti-EB antibodies detected. A death occurred during PERSEPT 3 and was determined to be unlikely related to EB treatment by the data monitoring committee. CONCLUSION: Results from all three Phase 3 trials establish an excellent safety profile of EB in haemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors for treatment of bleeding and perioperative use.

Plasminogen replacement therapy for the treatment of children and adults with congenital plasminogen deficiency.

Congenital plasminogen deficiency is caused by mutations in PLG, the gene coding for production of the zymogen plasminogen, and is an ultrarare disorder associated with abnormal accumulation or growth of fibrin-rich pseudomembranous lesions on mucous membranes. Left untreated, these lesions may impair organ function and impact quality of life. Plasminogen replacement therapy should provide an effective treatment of the manifestations of congenital plasminogen deficiency. An open-label phase 2/3 study of human Glu-plasminogen administered IV at 6.6 mg/kg every 2 to 4 days in 15 patients with congenital plasminogen deficiency is ongoing. Reported here are data on 14 patients who completed at least 12 weeks of treatment. The primary end point was an increase in trough plasminogen activity levels by at least an absolute 10% above baseline. The secondary end point was clinical success, defined as ≥50% improvement in lesion number/size or functionality impact from baseline. All patients achieved at least an absolute 10% increase in trough plasminogen activity above baseline. Clinical success was observed in all patients with clinically visible (conjunctiva and gingiva), nonvisible (nasopharynx, bronchus, colon, kidney, cervix, and vagina), and wound-healing manifestations of the disease. Therapeutic effects were rapid, as all but 2 lesions resolved or improved after 4 weeks of treatment. Human Glu-plasminogen was well tolerated in both children and adults. This study provides critical first evidence of the clinical utility of ongoing replacement therapy with human Glu-plasminogen for the treatment of children and adults with congenital plasminogen deficiency. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02690714.