Current status of hemophilia patients and recombinant coagulation factor concentrates in Japan

The first recombinant factor VIII concentrate was introduced in 1987 to treat hemophilia A patients, and the product was licensed in the United States in 1992. More than 10 years have passed since the recombinant products have been used for treatment of hemophilia A. The new therapeutic options seem to be safe and effective through the gathered experiences. Recently, recombinant factor VIIa concentrate has become available to treat hemophilia patients with inhibitor and factor VII deficiency patients in Europe and also recombinant factor IX for the treatment of hemophilia B has been licensed in the United States and Europe. The usage of recombinant coagulation factors has expanded the routine therapy for hemophilia in many countries. In Japan, the consumption of recombinant factor VIII is increasing year by year, because many patients have started to think that the recombinant technology seems to be safe. Unfortunately, though, the factor VIIa and factor IX products have not been licensed yet in Japan. This article discusses the current status of patients with hemophilia and recombinant coagulation factor products in Japan.