News Capsule - National

Baxter India introduces recombinate to treat haemophilia

Our News Bureau - New Delhi

Baxter India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baxter International, recently announced the launch of recombinate in India. Recombinate, a genetically engineered non plasma-derived recombinant factor (rFVIII) through increased viral safety and uninterrupted supply, represents a significant step forward in raising the standards of care for people with haemophilia in India. Recombinate is indicated for the prevention and control of haemorrhagic episodes and for the preoperative management of people with haemophilia A.

Announcing the launch, Dr Wing-Yen Wong, Therapeutic Area Head for Haemophilia/Haematology Clinical research and development (R&D), and Global Senior Medical Director, Bioscience, Baxter said, "The introduction of innovative factor replacement therapies have helped to advance haemophilia treatment and raise the standard of care around the world for haemophiliacs. The launch of recombinate is yet another step in the advancement of haemophilia care in India. At Baxter, we will continue to support advocacy for haemophilia in India through community participation, investing in the areas of patient and clinical education, medical outcomes and expanding patient access to therapies, all to help drive increased treatment and improved quality of life for haemophilia patients in India."

Sharing his thoughts, Dr Alok Srivastava, Head-Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore said, "Introduction of newer therapies in haemophilia treatment are welcomed both by the industry and the medical fraternity which would help in bringing relief to the patients suffering from this condition."

Recombinate (antihaemophilic Factor—Recombinant), is the first genetically engineered, non-plasma-derived, recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) therapy in the world. Available since 1992, used in over 41 different countries, and with in excess of 12 billion IU dispensed. Recombinate is a known choice for haemophilia management (Baxter sales data for recombinate 1992 - 2007).

Recombinate is produced from the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, which inherently reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. It can be stored for up to 24 months at two to eight degree celsius, and can also be stored for six months without refrigeration (at 25 degree Celsius). It can be reconstituted with either a needleless transfer device (Baxject II) or a double-ended needle.

As a genetically engineered product, Recombinate contains only a minimal amount of human blood components. It thus minimises the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens as well as offering a much more dependable supply than plasma-derived FVIII products, which are reliant upon donations and prone to shortages.