Canadian Blood Services (CBS) announced in May that the provinces and territories have agreed to expand access to emicizumab (Hemlibra) for people with moderate hemophilia A and a severe bleeding phenotype requiring prophylaxis. This means that people with moderate hemophilia A who have bleeding issues can now ask their hematologist to apply for access to emicizumab.
Until now, use of emicizumab had been restricted to those with severe hemophilia A defined as a factor level of less than 1% or a history of an inhibitor to factor VIII.
In its announcement, CBS wrote that “Exceptional access requests will now be considered for hemophilia A patients with a FVIII level of 1% or greater with a severe bleeding phenotype. To be considered, patients must be on prophylactic therapy with FVIII or demonstrate a requirement for prophylactic therapy.”
People who think they may qualify should contact their treatment centre. Prescribing physicians must complete an Exceptional Access form and provide detailed clinical information to support the request.
