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Mater Dei Hospital Starts Providing Emicizumab To Patients With Haemophilia A

Mater Dei Hospital Starts Providing Emicizumab To Patients With Haemophilia A
Local

The Ministry for Health has introduced a new treatment using the medicine Emicizumab for people living with Haemophilia A, a rare blood condition that affects the body's ability to clot properly.

Patients with Haemophilia A have a deficiency of Factor VIII, a protein needed for normal blood clotting. Emicizumab supports the clotting process and offers an alternative to traditional treatments that require frequent hospital visits.

The first patients have started receiving the treatment at Mater Dei Hospital in recent days, with the service expected to gradually expand over the coming months.

The aim is for eligible patients to eventually be able to administer the treatment themselves at home, improving their independence and quality of life.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg said the Government is continuing to increase access to medicines and innovative treatments in Malta and Gozo.

He said the introduction of Emicizumab complements existing treatments available to patients and will improve the experience of people who require ongoing care for this condition.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Clarence Pace explained that the new medicine provides the same therapeutic benefits as previous treatments while reducing the frequency of administration. Unlike traditional treatments, which are delivered through intravenous infusions, Emicizumab is administered through injections under the skin and requires fewer visits to hospital.

Dr Pace said this will eventually allow patients to manage their treatment from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the challenges associated with regular hospital appointments.

The Ministry said the introduction of Emicizumab forms part of continued investment in new therapies aimed at improving health outcomes and supporting patients and their families. By making treatment more accessible and convenient, people living with Haemophilia A will have greater flexibility and independence in their daily lives.

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