Adapting to Novel Hemophilia A Treatments

Russell P. Gollard, MD, FACP: The new products, particularly those with a novel mechanism of action for treating hemophilia A, are quickly becoming part of our armamentarium for treating the disease. I think that we must change with the times and realize that this is an ever-changing treatment landscape. As newer and better products become available, we must do our best to make these products available to our patients. I have not seen a lot of resistance on the part of health plans to making these important new products available to patients.

Without long-term proven efficacy with a novel agent, how can we change from something that’s proven but imperfect? We need to keep an eagle eye out as clinicians for potential side effects. There have been some drugs that have been pulled off the market, particularly in the case of oncology products, because of really catastrophic toxicities. As astute clinicians, we need to see patients with some frequency and make absolutely certain that adverse effects are reported. In extreme cases, we need to make case reports and send them into journals or send letters out to document them. This is extremely important, and it’s compulsory, and a very important function we fulfill as providers.

Transcript is AI generated and reviewed by an AJMC editor.