How does Hemlibra work?
Antibodies are proteins made by the body that stick to substances (antigens). Antibodies can be important in fighting infection. However, they can also be designed to bind to specific substances to manage diseases; these are called monoclonal antibodies.
Hemlibra is a monoclonal antibody designed to help prevent bleeding in people with severe haemophilia A and moderate haemophilia A with a severe bleeding phenotype.
- Hemlibra is different to factor VIII replacement therapy
- Hemlibra is a bispecific antibody, meaning it can bind to two different substances
- Hemlibra binds to factor IXa and factor X. This forms a link so the clotting pathway can continue
Haemophilia A treatments
Taking Hemlibra regularly maintains a consistent level in your blood.
After the initial loading dose, blood levels of Hemlibra remain stable between doses, whether you are taking your ongoing dose once every week, every 2 weeks, or every 4 weeks.
This means that you do not need to take additional doses of Hemlibra to cover any planned physical activity.
(adapted from Castaman G, Linari S. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2018; 14: 143-151)
You may have previously taken factor VIII replacement therapy as prophylaxis for your severe or moderate haemophilia A, or know someone who does.
The level of factor VIII replacement therapy rises quickly after infusion and then decreases.
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