Article is sponsored and developed by Sanofi. David was compensated by Sanofi and received free product through Sanofi’s Patient Support Program.
From the moment David was born, his family was on the lookout for signs of hemophilia. In 1975, when David was just three months old, he rolled over a plastic rattle in his crib and woke up the next morning covered in bruises. Shortly after, David was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A and soon began his treatment journey.
Despite his diagnosis, David was determined to have a typical, carefree childhood without concerns about physical activity. He quickly discovered his increased risk of injury when simple activities like skipping stairs resulted in painful ankle bleeds and hospital visits.1-2 By age nine, David was being treated with plasma derived factor concentrate, but the frequency of his bleeds eventually resulted in hemophilic arthropathy, and he began using a cane at age 14.
“That was a constant reminder of my limitations and fragility,” David said. “I had to grow up fast at a very early age.”
From childhood to adulthood, David’s hemophilia treatment significantly evolved, including switching from on-demand treatment to prophylaxis with recombinant factor VIII products, which greatly reduced his bleeds.3 David was able to revisit his childhood passion of singing by pursuing a career as an opera performer, but the physical demands of his job required infusions multiple times per week, or as often as daily when engaging in high-risk activities.1
“When I was younger, I imagined that every physically rigorous profession was off limits to me. But I think it was possible for me to pursue opera precisely because of the evolution of care between the time I was born and now,” David said.
That’s why David asked his doctor about switching to ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl], the first factor VIII treatment for adults and children with hemophilia A to offer once-weekly dosing.3-4 ALTUVIIIO is proven to maintain factor activity levels in the normal to near-normal range (over 40%) for most of the week in adults.4 David’s doctor shared that the most common side effects when taking ALTUVIIIO include headache, joint pain, and back pain, and explained that it’s possible to develop inhibitors while taking this treatment.4
Since starting ALTUVIIIO in 2023, David’s ability to schedule activities has improved and he can begin to enjoy more of the things he loves without the burden of multiple infusions each week.1,4 “ALTUVIIIO is a first-in-class medication that offers me the possibility of establishing a consistent weekly routine,” he said. David worked with Sanofi Patient Support Services to access ALTUVIIIO and secure financial assistance.
Looking ahead, David hopes people will embrace the evolving treatment landscape and take control of their care. “Finding a treatment plan that is the right fit for you and your lifestyle is worth pursuing with your doctor,” he said.
Patient experiences on ALTUVIIIO may vary so please talk to your doctor when making treatment decisions. To learn more, visit ALTUVIIIO.com.
INDICATION
ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl] is an injectable medicine that is used to control and reduce the number of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A (congenital Factor VIII deficiency).
Your healthcare provider may give you ALTUVIIIO when you have surgery.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about ALTUVIIIO?
Do not attempt to give yourself an injection unless you have been taught how by your healthcare provider or hemophilia center. You must carefully follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the dose and schedule for injecting ALTUVIIIO so that your treatment will work best for you.
Who should not use ALTUVIIIO?
You should not use ALTUVIIIO if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTUVIIIO?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have had any medical problems, take any medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines, are breastfeeding, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What are the possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO?
You can have an allergic reaction to ALTUVIIIO. Call your healthcare provider or emergency department right away if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, rash, or hives.
Your body can also make antibodies called “inhibitors” against ALTUVIIIO. This can stop ALTUVIIIO from working properly. Your healthcare provider may give you blood tests to check for inhibitors.
The common side effects of ALTUVIIIO are headache, joint pain, and back pain.
These are not the only possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
References
- Srivastava A, et al. WHF Guidelines for the Management of Hemophilia Third Edition. Haemophilia Wiley. 2020; 26 (Suppl. 6): 1-158. doi: 10.1111-hae.14046.
- What is hemophilia? Centers for Disease Control. July 17, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/facts.html. Accessed August 31, 2023.
- Chhabra E, et al. BIVV001, a new class of factor VIII replacement for hemophilia A that is independent of von Willebrand factor in primates and mice. Blood. 2020; 135 (17): 1484–1496. doi: 10.1182/blood.2019001292.
- ALTUVIIIO [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl] prescribing information. Bioverativ Therapeutics, Inc. March 2023.
MAT-US-2307984-v1.0-10/2023
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