New Haemophilia A treatment introduced at Mater Dei Hospital

The Ministry for Health has introduced a new treatment for people with Haemophilia A through the medicine Emicizumab, offering patients a more convenient alternative to traditional therapies.

Haemophilia A is a rare blood disorder caused by a deficiency of Factor VIII, a protein needed for normal blood clotting. Emicizumab helps facilitate the clotting process while reducing the need for frequent hospital visits, making treatment more convenient for patients.

The first patients began receiving Emicizumab at Mater Dei Hospital in recent days. The service will be expanded gradually over the coming months, with the eventual aim of enabling patients to self-administer the treatment at home. The change is expected to significantly improve patients' quality of life.

Deputy rime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg said the Government is continuing to work to improve access to medicines in Malta and Gozo.

“We are continuing to explore how we can expand our services in the field of medicines and ensure that patients have access to innovative treatments that can make a tangible difference in their lives,” Borg said.

“The introduction of Emicizumab further complements the medicines and treatments we already provide to patients and will considerably improve the quality of life and overall experience of people who require this treatment,” he added.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Clarence Pace said Emicizumab differs from traditional treatments because it can be administered through injections much less frequently than conventional intravenous infusions.

“Whereas pharmaceutical treatment for this condition previously required medicines to be administered through an intravenous infusion, this medicine can now be administered as an injection under the skin, far less frequently, and eventually patients will be able to take it in the comfort of their own homes,” Pace said.

“This means fewer trips to hospital and fewer difficulties for patients,” he added.

The introduction of Emicizumab forms part of the Government's wider investment in new therapies aimed at improving clinical outcomes and patients' quality of life while reducing the burden of treatment on patients and their families.

By making treatment available less frequently and, eventually, at home, the new approach is expected to give people with Haemophilia A greater independence and flexibility in their daily lives.