Dear HAEA Members,
We know that this is a challenging time for everyone as we adjust to the fast-evolving Coronavirus pandemic here in the United States. The HAEA is committed to providing accurate and timely information on virus related issues that could affect the HAE community. With this in mind, we have reached out to the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and distribute HAE medicines. Each company quickly responded to our request with an update on how they are managing the coronavirus situation. Below, please find their official statements.
Sincerely,
Tony Castaldo
US HAEA President & CEO
From CSL Behring
As the Coronavirus outbreak continues to expand across the globe, CSL Behring is actively monitoring the situation, and will implement any precautionary measures necessary to safeguard our ability to deliver our life-saving products to patients who rely on them.
The company has activated business continuity plans across its operations around the world to protect our people, and our distribution processes. At this time, we are not experiencing any issues with product supply, and our robust supply chain ensures that critical materials are not single source. Additionally, our plasma collection network is fully operational. However, this is a dynamic situation that continues to evolve. As such, we are closely tracking any impact it could have on our business.
We remain committed to the Hereditary Angioedema community, and will keep you informed as the situation evolves.
Patients and caregivers can reach out to HAEGARDA / Berinert Connect at 844-423-4273, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Healthcare professionals, please contact CSL Medical Information at 800-504-5434.
From Pharming
With recent events related to the coronavirus, we have heard concerns about the supply of HAE medications. We want to let you know that the FDA has approved a new production facility in the Netherlands to make Ruconest®, a C1-Inhibitor indicated to treat HAE swells. The new facility significantly increases the production of our therapy. Pharming now has two fully operating manufacturing facilities dedicated to producing a reliable supply of Ruconest® for HAE patients in the U.S. and globally. Because the C1-Inhibitor in Ruconest® is plasma free, its production does not rely on plasma collection centers.
Additionally, Pharming is in regular contact with all manufacturing, shipping, and specialty pharmacy partners. Like all organizations, protocols are in place to protect staff and ensure there is no disruption to the services we provide. The situation is obviously evolving rapidly, however, at the current time, there appear to be no issues or concerns.
Patients and caregivers can reach out to Ruconest® Solutions at 855-613-4423, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Healthcare professionals, please contact Pharming Medical Information at (800) 930-5221.
From Takeda
As a global pharmaceutical leader, our top priority during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is to do all we can to make sure our medicines and services continue to reach the individuals who rely on them, while we protect the health of our employees, those who work alongside them, their families and our communities. Based on our current assessment of our global supply chain, we do not foresee any current risk of disruption resulting from the Coronavirus outbreak. Nonetheless, we are continuing to closely monitor the external environment and the situation as it evolves. We will update you as needed.
Patients and caregivers should feel free to reach out to OnePath at 866-888-0660, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST with any additional questions. For healthcare professionals, please contact Takeda Medical Information at 800-828-2088.
