To mark World Hemophilia Day, Bayer HealthCare is reaffirming its commitment to the global hemophilia community by pledging EUR 250,000 to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). Bayer employees around the world are organizing local World Hemophilia Day activities to engage and educate people on issues facing the community through events such as sporting competitions, information booths, professional symposia and physical therapy workshops.
Bayer's annual contribution has helped support WFH's treatment, care and education initiatives, including the Global Alliance for Progress (GAP) initiative, a program to increase the proper diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, and the International Hemophilia Nursing Fellowship Program, which provides hemophilia education and training to nurses in developing countries. Bayer is the sole sponsor of this nursing program.
"One of the core goals of the World Federation of Hemophilia is to make safe, effective treatment available for all those with inherited bleeding disorders, regardless of where they live," said Mark Skinner, WFH president. "Our vision of 'Treatment for All' means expanding services to reach all those in need. And with the help of partners like Bayer, we continue to improve care for people with all bleeding disorders around the world."
Reflecting Bayer's commitment to the hemophilia community, employees around the world will engage in World Hemophilia Day activities under the theme "Reach Out &Care" that are a natural continuation of their commitment and everyday work to help people with hemophilia live the lives they choose.
"We at Bayer are profoundly aware of the human impact hemophilia has on people living with the disorder, and are equally passionate about helping them," said Michael E. Mathews, vice president and therapeutic area head, Hematology, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. "Through our long-term commitment to the global hemophilia community and history of scientific innovation, we are striving to develop new products and launch unique services that increase convenience and, ultimately, improve health outcomes."
Over the last three decades, Bayer has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in research, clinical trials and post-marketing studies that have led to improved treatments and a better understanding of hemophilia. Today, as a leader in hemophilia research, Bayer continues to support advances in treatment by:
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Applying innovative technologies to develop a recombinant factor VIII molecule with improved properties such as increased circulation time and lower immunogenicity.
Initiating a global clinical development on a next-generation recombinant factor VIIa protein that may provide improved treatment options to patients with hemophilia A and B who have developed antibodies - or inhibitors - to either factor VIII or factor IX.
Investing in research and studies that further increase the data on the safety and efficacy of its Kogenate® line of products.
Supporting the Bayer Hemophilia Awards Program (BHAP), one of the largest and oldest programs of its kind in the industry. Since 2002, BHAP has funded novel hemophilia research and education projects around the world.
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com. Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at http://www.bayerscheringpharma.de.