The haemophilia A treatment emicizumab (Hemlibra) will be available from 2 November via national blood supply arrangements for use at home under the supervision of a Haemophilia Treatment Centre.

As previously announced, the product will be available “to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding in severe or moderate haemophilia A patients without inhibitors, and in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors.”

According to the National Blood Authority, Hemlibra will be available through specialist clinicians at Haemophilia Treatment Centres, with distribution through community pharmacies for self injection at home and in exceptional circumstances, via home delivery.

The NBA notes that Hemlibra is an S4 product that must be prescribed under the supervision of a Haemophilia Treatment Centre to ensure adequate education and training on subcutaneous injection technique. When the supervising specialist is satisfied that the patient or their carer is adequately trained and experienced to manage subcutaneous injection, the product may be supplied via a community pharmacy for collection.

And in circumstances where the patient lives too far away from a community pharmacy, arrangements can be made to have the product couriered for home delivery, in conjunction with manufacturer Roche.

However the NBA cautions that the timing of transition to Hemlibra will depend on factors such as the need for appropriate clinical oversight of transitioning patients, and the efficient use of stock of current products already held by Haemophilia Treatment Centres and patients, and stock required to be held in Australia under NBA contracts. It says the supply of current FVIII and bypassing agent products under the national blood arrangements will continue.