Biogen provides haemophilia therapy donation to developing world

Biogen has announced the provision of its first shipments of haemophilia therapy to treatment centres across the developing world as part of a major humanitarian project.

The company has allied with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum to provide up to 500 million units of haemophilia therapy over five years to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) for use in poorer nations.

It represents a significant contribution to the expansion of their Humanitarian Aid Program, a 20-year old initiative aimed at providing treatment and care for haemophilia in the developing world.

This initiative is the first phase of Biogen and Sobi's ten-year commitment to produce one billion International Units of haemophilia therapy for humanitarian use – the largest aid pledge of its kind.

John Cox, executive vice-president for pharmaceutical operations and technology at Biogen, said: "This is a significant milestone in our joint effort with the WFH and our hope is that others will join us to help create a sustainable model for humanitarian support."

Last month, the company's groundbreaking new haemophilia A therapy Elocta was recommended for European approval, a milestone that further bolsters Biogen's capabilities in this field.