Bayer begins trial for haemophilia treatment

Bayer has started to enrol patients in a new phase III trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an investigational compound for the treatment of haemophilia A.

The clinical study will aim to establish whether BAY94-9027, a recombinant human factor VIII (rFVIII), can prolong the duration of protection from bleeds and with less frequent infusions when used prophylactically.

Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee and head of global development, said the company's investigations will be supported by "more than 20 years of research and clinical experience in haemophilia".

He added that "A longer-acting rFVIII product may result in significant benefit in long-term outcomes and quality of life improvements for people with haemophilia A."

Known as PROTECT VIII, the multi-centre trial will involve between 120 and 140 previously treated subjects around the world.

Sufferers of haemophilia A, a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, represent about 90 percent of all patients affected by haemophilia.