Hemophilia A Information and Treatment

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of a coagulation factor, a protein in the blood that aids in the process of clotting. An effective clot is needed to seal wounds and stop bleeding.
Hemophilia A or “classic hemophilia” is the most common type of hemophilia, and is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII (FVIII). Not having enough FVIII means that blood might not clot properly when there is bleeding, such as after an injury or during a dental procedure. Bleeding can also occur inside of a joint.

With few exceptions, hemophilia affects males, and hemophilia is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Serious health consequences can arise if hemophilia is not treated promptly and properly.

Hemophilia A is treated by increasing the level of FVIII in the blood. This is done by infusing (injecting) factor replacement therapy, also called FVIII product.

There are two kinds of FVIII product: human plasma-derived and recombinant FVIII. Human plasma-derived products are taken directly from donated blood. With recombinant factor, the proteins needed to make FVIII product are not taken from human blood, but synthesized in a laboratory using recombinant DNA technology.

Some forms of recombinant FVIII still contain a protein from human blood called albumin*, which is used as a stabilizer. In 2000, sucrose replaced albumin as stabilizer in the production of the FVIII product Helixate^®. With this change, Helixate^® FS (formulated with sucrose) was born.

Helixate^® FS is one of the most advanced factor products available for the treatment of hemophilia A.

*The baby hamster kidney cell line used to produce Helixate^® FS is grown in a culture medium that contains human plasma protein. No human proteins are added during purification or in the final formulation.

Next: Learn about The Helixate^® FS Difference.