Novo Nordisk's innovative drug NovoSeven, the only recombinant activated Factor VII product available for the treatment of bleeding episodes in people with haemophilia with inhibitors, will shortly be available in a room temperature stable formulation across the country. Though the drug is available in some metro cities, the date for its nationwide launch is yet to be disclosed.

The company is focused on improving treatment options, providing better access to care and to understand the needs of people with the ailment. NovoSeven has proven to be effective in the treatment of bleeding in haemophilia patients who develop antibodies.

NovoSeven is a recombinant Factor VIIa enabling coagulation to proceed in the absence of Factors VIII or IX, a naturally occurring protein found in the blood. A unique feature of NovoSeven is its mechanism of action at the site of vascular injury which results in the formation of a stable fibrin clot that is resistant to breakdown.

In a bid to support the haemophilia patients on the occasion of World Haemophilia Day on April 17, Novo Nordisk India is organizing a slew of activities across cities in India in association with various partners. Some of the events that will be held by Novo Nordisk India and their partners are free screening of haemophilia patients for inhibitors on April 17, 2009 at St John's Hospital in Bangalore (9 am onwards), and at HFI in New Delhi (10 am onwards) and on 18th at Mumbai at the Haemophilia Society (2 pm onwards). They will also be holding a Haemophilia Management Training session at Kolkata on the 18th at the Haemophilia Society (2.30 pm). More than 250 people with haemophilia are expected to attend the events.

The events will help to raise awareness about the blood disorder which is rapidly spreading across the globe. Haemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder that affects males, with an estimated two to three lakh male worldwide suffering from it. Patients with haemophilia have either absent, decreased or defective production of the blood clotting protein. Approximately 50 per cent of haemophilia patients require treatment for bleeding several times per month. India is home to over 100,000 such patients, although only approximately about 13,000 patients are registered with Haemophilia Federation of India (HFI). Though the disease is incurable, it can be managed through anti-haemophilia factor injections. One of the most feared complications of the treatment of haemophilia is the development of 'inhibitors': antibodies to factors that can develop following replacement therapy. The incidence of inhibitors complicating treatment of haemophilia is approximately 30 per cent.

Novo Nordisk is a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy.