Novo Nordisk Announces New Findings to Broaden Understanding of Improving Outcomes for People with Hemophilia

PLAINSBORO, N.J., July 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk today announced findings from the Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) study showing that bleed frequency and treatment regimen choice impacted the use of health care resources and comprehensive care services among adults living with hemophilia. These results were presented in an oral presentation at the XXIV Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Additionally, the company sponsored eight poster presentations that highlighted the real-life psychosocial challenges faced by adult hemophilia patients and caregivers of affected children.

The data, based on responses from 515 adult patients living with hemophilia in eight countries, showed patients with hemophilia who treat with prophylaxis are likely to visit a comprehensive hemophilia treatment center (HTC) more frequently than those who use intermittent, on-demand treatment.¹ Those on prophylaxis also reported more frequent involvement of hemophilia nurses, and to a lesser extent social workers, in management of their disease compared with patients treating on-demand.¹ Irrespective of treatment regimen, those with more frequent bleeding were less likely to engage in higher-risk physical activities but had a similar number of HTC visits per year.²

"This is the first scientific survey of this type and scale to illuminate psychosocial aspects of life with hemophilia," said Eddie Williams, Corporate Vice President, Biopharmaceuticals. "The HERO initiative underscores Novo Nordisk's commitment to the hemophilia community, and we look forward to sharing new data as they become available."

The depth and breadth of the HERO findings, which is the largest multinational, comprehensive study of hemophilia to date, targeting over 1,200 people in 10 countries, is intended to broaden understanding of the factors that impact people living with hemophilia and their loved ones and identify ways in which the community can improve the quality of life for people living with this chronic disease, as well as their caregivers and families.

To learn more about HERO, please visit Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia^®.

About the HERO Study
Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) is an international, multidisciplinary initiative led by the HERO International Advisory Board and supported by Novo Nordisk as part of its Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia^® program. HERO is the largest-ever multinational, comprehensive study targeting over 1,200 people in 10 countries. It encompasses the psychosocial experiences of people with hemophilia, their families, and their health care providers and covers themes such as employment, relationships, sexual health, treatment and management of hemophilia, information and knowledge, and quality of life.

About Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a rare blood clotting disorder. Internal bleeding into the joints, muscles, and other tissues can cause severe pain, joint damage, and disability.  The worldwide incidence of hemophilia A is approximately one case per 5,000 males, approximately 30 percent of whom have no family history.  Hemophilia B occurs in one case per 25,000 males and represents 20–25 percent of all patients with hemophilia. Globally, it is estimated that 400,000 people have hemophilia; in the United States, it is estimated that 20,000 people have this disorder.

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone-related disorders and women's health. For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com and/or follow our news in the US on Twitter: @novonordiskus.

References

[1] Nugent. Do inhibitors, treatment regimen and bleed frequency impact haemophilia treatment centre and provider utilisation: An analysis of adults with haemophilia in the HERO study.

[2] Nugent. Do inhibitors, treatment regimen and bleed frequency impact parent-directed haemophilia treatment centre and provider utilisation: An analysis of parents of children with haemophilia in the HERO study. 

SOURCE Novo Nordisk