Real-world effectiveness of eptacog beta in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors: A multi-institutional case series

Abstract

Introduction

The management of bleeding events (BEs) in haemophilia A (HA) and B (HB) patients with inhibitors necessitates the use of bypassing agents. The recombinant factor VIIa bypassing agent eptacog beta has demonstrated efficacy at treating BEs and managing perioperative bleeding in adults in phase three clinical studies.

Aim

To provide real-world descriptions of eptacog beta use for BE treatment in patients on emicizumab or eptacog beta prophylaxis.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 14 patients who received eptacog beta at seven haemophilia treatment centres, with HA (n = 11) or HB (n = 3) and inhibitors or anaphylaxis to factor replacement.

Results

Twenty-four spontaneous and traumatic BEs are described (muscle hematomas, joint hemarthroses, port site, and epistaxis) involving 11 subjects. Eptacog beta was effective for acute bleed treatment as both first-line therapy and for treatment of BEs refractory to eptacog alfa in 23/24 events. When eptacog beta was used for prophylaxis, 2/3 patients reported a decreased frequency of breakthrough BEs compared with prophylactic eptacog alfa and one patient experienced a similar frequency of breakthrough BEs compared with prophylactic activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Eptacog beta provided effective bleed control for three subjects who underwent minor surgical procedures. Treatment with eptacog beta was estimated to be 46%–72% more cost-effective than eptacog alfa. No safety concerns or adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

In this case series, eptacog beta was safe, effective, and economical as first-line therapy, treatment of refractory BEs, management of perioperative bleeding, or prophylaxis in haemophilia patients with inhibitors.