The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) is pleased to announce that two new documents have been issued by the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC).

MASAC, which generated the documents during their recent meeting at last month’s Bleeding Disorders Conference, issues recommendations and advisories on treatment, research, and other general health concerns of the inheritable bleeding disorders community.

Document 279 was created in response to reports of access to residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities being denied to persons with bleeding disorders (PWBDs) who would otherwise be appropriate for admission. It provides an overview of PWBDs’ medical needs as it relates to treatment and management of their condition, including the critical role of the hemophilia treatment center care team. The document also provides clear parameters for what does and doesn’t constitute medical stability from a bleeding disorder perspective, encompassing key factors such as treatment protocols and adherence, patient autonomy, and bleeding event scenarios. These, and additional factors, are critical components in making a strong case for why PWBD patients who meet medical stability and other eligibility criteria should be granted access to SUDs. This document can serve as a helpful tool for anyone advocating for full and fair consideration when it comes SUD access on behalf of PWBDs. View and download MASAC Recommendations on Reducing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Facilities and Programs for Persons with Bleeding Disorders (PWBD) to learn more.

Document 280 is the latest version of the council’s most enduring and broad-based treatment document. It offers descriptions of, and recommendations for, the use of all therapies currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat inheritable bleeding disorders such hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, rare factor deficiencies. Treatments outlined in the document include factor replacement therapies, non-factor therapies, gene therapies, and ancillary medications such as antifibrinolytics. It also provides background on the manufacturing of these therapies and context for their indications. Included in this update are the two gene therapies recently approved for hemophilia A and B in the U.S. View and download MASAC Recommendations Concerning Products Licensed for the Treatment of Hemophilia and Selected Disorders of the Coagulation System to learn more.

Visit NBDF to access a searchable list of all current MASAC documents.