HEMGENIX® Infusion Therapy for Hemophilia B

In individuals with hemophilia B, insufficient levels of factor IX lead to difficulty in forming stable blood clots, resulting in prolonged bleeding episodes. HEMGENIX® infusion therapy for hemophilia B can significantly decrease bleeding by elevating factor IX levels for years to come. At CPS Infusion, with locations in the greater Atlanta area, we offer this promising treatment option.

What Is Hemophilia B?

Hemophilia B, also known as Christmas disease, is a rare genetic bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of clotting factor IX. Clotting factors are proteins essential for the blood clotting process, which helps control bleeding. 

The condition is caused by a mutation in the F9 gene on the X chromosome, so the condition primarily affects males. Females can be carriers of the gene but typically do not show symptoms. 

The primary symptom of hemophilia B is prolonged bleeding, which can occur spontaneously or after minor injuries. Internal bleeding can also occur, affecting joints, muscles, and organs. 

Diagnosing Hemophilia B

To diagnose hemophilia B, we will ask about your bleeding symptoms and family history of bleeding disorders. The definitive diagnosis of hemophilia B is identified with a blood coagulation tests to measure how long it takes blood to clot, specifically factor IX. Lower levels indicate a deficiency, with severity categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Initially, a PTT test will be performed. Abnormal results suggest the possibility of a clotting factor deficiency, and additional tests will be performed to determine the specific cause. Genetic testing may also be done to identify the specific mutation in the F9 gene responsible for hemophilia B.

Treating Hemophilia B

Many doctors have treated hemophilia B through factor replacement therapy. In this approach, concentrated factor IX is administered directly into the bloodstream. This concentrated factor IX serves as a substitute for the deficient factor, effectively preventing excessive bleeding or managing bleeding episodes when they occur. Unfortunately, some patients develop complications from this treatment, including inhibitors (which prevent factor replacement therapy from working) and viral infections. HEMGENIX® infusion therapy is an excellent alternative that offers great results. 

Why Choose HEMGENIX®?

According to the HEMGENIX® website, during clinical trials, a single infusion of HEMGENIX® exhibited a 54% reduction in bleeding incidents, providing substantial protection against bleeds compared to regular factor IX prophylaxis. The clinical trials also showed that with a single infusion of HEMGENIX®, 94% of patients were able to discontinue factor IX prophylaxis and remained free of prophylactic treatment. Additionally, patients maintained a sustained mean factor IX activity of 37% at the two-year mark.

What to Expect? 

The HEMGENIX® treatment process involves one infusion at one of our treatment centers. The infusion itself takes one to two hours, but you will need to stay with us for monitoring for three hours once the infusion is complete.

Why Patients and Referring Physicians Choose Us

There are four key reasons why patients choose CPS infusion for treatment:

• We work with your insurance carrier to get maximum coverage
• Treatment is administered by certified nurses under the supervision of a doctor
• Our treatment centers are comfortable, and you receive care on a non-hospital setting
• We order all pre-infusion and monitoring tests