Today on World Haemophilia Day, we would like to celebrate the success of Perth Blood Institute’s (PBI’s) ground-breaking clinical trial which uncovered a new life-changing treatment drug for people with haemophilia A.

With the help of one brave West Australian, Cockburn resident John Wyatt, who agreed to participate in the trial, the drug was found to provide widespread relief for patients who are at risk of life-threatening bleeding events and joint damage. As a result, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, announced in September 2020 that the Commonwealth and State governments had agreed to fund the drug Hemlibra, which is now available free-of-charge to eligible people with haemophilia A across Australia, through the National Blood Authority.

John’s journey

John was deemed suitable to take part in the clinical trial at PBI, having experienced continuous life-affecting health issues, resulting from being born with haemophilia A, which saw him undertake long stays in hospital in acute pain, particularly as a young man.

“With three grandchildren who also have haemophilia A, I was committed to participating in any trial that could potentially lead to life-changing treatments,” John explains, who has been under the care of PBI’s Professor Ross Baker for more than 25 years.

“I have taken part in several trials, but the last one, in 2017, for Hemlibra was the game changer, and for the first time in over 50 years I have had no bleeding issues, in fact not even a bruise. “Being able to participate in Perth Blood Institute’s clinical trial program has literally changed my life. It’s been wonderful,” says John.

World Haemophilia Day Every year on April 17, World Haemophilia Day is recognised worldwide to increase awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders. We remain fully committed to supporting the treatment needs of people living with haemophilia and other blood disorders.

PBI’s founder and Consultant Haematologist Professor Ross Baker says John’s clinical trial is a huge success story for science and the continuation of best-practice treatment for future generations, especially for children with haemophilia. “Hemlibra is a total game changer for patients with haemophilia A who can go on to live more normal lifestyles, including being able to take part in activities they may never have had the confidence to pursue because of living with their condition,” Professor Baker comments.

Help fund our haemophilia research

Life with rare blood disorders may bring challenges but as we continue to receive generous donations from our loyal community, we are able to fund research to advance new treatments and help facilitate clinical trials of new drugs, helping to improve lives around the world. If you would like to donate to improve our haemophilia research, please visit our donation page. 

References

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/data.html#:~:text=Hemophilia%20A%20affects%201%20in,with%20hemophilia%20A%20each%20year.

https://www.blood.gov.au/system/files/documents/abdr-annual-report-2011-12-20140423.pdf

https://www.blood.gov.au/sites/default/files/ABDR-Annual-Report-2019-20-FINAL.pdf

Kumar, P., & Clark, M. (2005). Clinical Medicine Sixth Edition, London, UK: Elsevier Saunders

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemophilia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373333