Novo Nordisk Marks World Hemophilia Day by Raising Awareness of Bleeding Disorders in the Community and Beyond

Ongoing hemophilia initiatives to empower patients and educate broader community underscore commitment of Novo Nordisk

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Apr 15, 2016, 08:00 ET

PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk is proud to join the global bleeding disorders community to recognize World Hemophilia Day, observed annually on April 17, to raise awareness of those living with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. Throughout the year, Novo Nordisk partners with the community to make a meaningful impact for patients and caregivers, while simultaneously increasing understanding of bleeding disorders among the population at large.

"Developing innovative treatments and educational programs that holistically meet the needs of patients and caregivers is what drives us every day at Novo Nordisk," said Eddie Williams, senior vice president, Biopharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk Inc. "This World Hemophilia Day, our efforts are further fueled by the partnerships we have within the bleeding disorders community to ensure our educational offerings not only resonate with the community, but continue to address their needs."

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting normally. It affects an estimated 20,000 people in the United States, and more than 400,000 individuals globally.¹The disorder causes internal bleeding, which commonly occurs in the spaces around joints, resulting in pain and swelling. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage.¹

Patient and Caregiver Resources

As part of its ongoing commitment throughout the year, Novo Nordisk offers several patient- and caregiver-focused programs that provide support beyond the treatment aspects of living with hemophilia, including HeroPath™, Career Counseling, and RareBleedingDisorders.com. These resources were created based on insights from the Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) initiative, the largest international study of patients with hemophilia and their loved ones, which underscored the need for psychosocial support around life transitions and interpersonal relationships.

HeroPath™, now entering its third year, is an initiative offering life coaching and peer support to teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 25 living with hemophilia. Accepted participants work closely with a mentor over a 12-month period to grow their skills for success in areas including relationships, education, and work. Novo Nordisk's Career Counseling program partners people with hemophilia and their caregivers with an expert who can help improve resumes, prepare for interviews, and set career goals. Both offerings are available to patients and caregivers via NovoSecure™, the company's comprehensive patient support program.

RareBleedingDisorders.com, which launched last September, is a comprehensive online resource for patients and caregivers. The site provides key news updates from hemophilia medical meetings and conferences as well as helpful online resources developed by the hemophilia community.

Community-at-Large Initiatives

Novo Nordisk actively supports numerous community-driven efforts nationwide that aim to increase understanding of hemophilia beyond the bleeding disorders community. Novo Nordisk is proud this year to support the National Hemophilia Foundation's new #RedTieChallenge social media initiative, which aims to increase awareness of inheritable bleeding disorders. The 'Red Tie Challenge' challenges individuals and groups to get creative in showing how they wear a red tie, record and then post their best red tie looks to social media with #RedTieChallenge.

For more information about Novo Nordisk's commitment to Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia^®, please visit www.novonordisk-us.com.

About NovoSecure™

NovoSecure™ is a comprehensive patient support program specifically designed for and inspired by the bleeding disorders community. It reflects this community's evolving needs and aims to better help all enrollees reach their personal goals. NovoSecure™ offers enrollees, depending on their eligibility, the opportunity to apply for a variety of programs, including a competitive scholarship program, life coaching with HeroPath™, career counseling, and insurance support. Novo Nordisk product usage is not an eligibility requirement.

NovoSecure™ is open to people with hemophilia A, hemophilia A or B with inhibitors, congenital Factor VII deficiency, acquired hemophilia, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, or congenital Factor XIII deficiency. For more information including complete eligibility requirements, please visit www.mynovosecure.com or call 1-844-NOVOSEC (1-844-668-6732).

About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other serious chronic conditions: hemophilia, growth disorders and obesity. With U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, N.J., Novo Nordisk Inc. has more than 5,000 employees in the United States. For more information, visit novonordisk.us or follow us on Twitter: @novonordiskus.

Reference

National Hemophilia Foundation website. Fast Facts. Retrieved March 10, 2016. https://www.hemophilia.org/About-Us/Fast-Facts

Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia^® is a registered trademark and NovoSecure™ is a trademark of Novo Nordisk Health Care AG.
HeroPath™ is a trademark of Likone Corporation.
Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

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