Biogen Idec and Sobi announced their intent to produce one billion international units (IUs) of clotting factor therapy for humanitarian aid programs in the developing world. The announcement was made on May 12, 2014, during the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) 2014 World Congress in Melbourne, Australia. Initially, the companies committed to donating up to 500 million IUs to WFH over five years to support its efforts to raise the standard of care for people with hemophilia in the developing world. The remaining 500 million IUs of clotting factor will be made available for future distribution.
Under the terms of the agreement with WFH, at least 85% of donated factor will be Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein for the treatment of hemophilia A, with the remainder comprising Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein for the treatment of hemophilia B. The donation of Antihemophilic Factor VIII (Recombinant), Fc Fusion Protein is contingent upon approval of a Biologics License Application currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Shipments for humanitarian programs are expected to begin in the second half of 2015.
“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,” said WFH President Alain Weill. “Their generosity today brings us 500 million steps closer to making the WFH vision of treatment for all a reality.”
Source: Biogen press release dated May 12, 2014
