CSL Behring donates protein therapies to World Federation of Hemophilia

CSL BehringFeb 28 2015

In recognition of Rare Disease Day and as part of its ongoing commitment to the global bleeding disorders community, CSL Behring announced today that it is donating 2 million international units (IUs) of protein therapies to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). WFH is an international not-for- profit organization which has worked to improve the lives of people with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The donation supports the WFH's Global Alliance for Progress (GAP) Program aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding disorders in developing countries. CSL was the first biotherapies company in the world to make a multiyear commitment to WFH to aid the GAP Program with coagulation factor donations over an extended period of time, starting in 2009. Rare Disease Day, February 28, is coordinated by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and by several national alliances and patient organizations around the globe.

"We take great pride in the progress of the GAP Program and are grateful for the generous donations made by CSL Behring," said WFH President Alain Weill. "We look forward to our continued partnership with CSL Behring as we strive to help fulfill our commitment to introduce clotting factor concentrates in developing countries where people who are living with a bleeding disorder may not be able to access appropriate treatment."

"CSL Behring is committed to improving the well-being of people who are living with rare or serious diseases," said Paul Perreault, CEO and Managing Director of CSL Limited. "The GAP Program has made excellent progress over the years and continues to align with our goal to make meaningful differences in the lives of people who are living with serious diseases, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease."

In 2012, CSL Behring renewed its product donation contract with WFH, for the period 2013 through 2015. Since 2012, CSL Behring has donated close to 7.7 million IUs of its bleeding disorders therapies to treat people with hemophilia or von Willebrand disease (VWD) in developing countries.