Special report: The New Science of Haemophilia

In any complex machine, the lack of a single part can lead to big trouble. That is the problem faced by the 170,000 people globally who have the bleeding disorder known as haemophilia. A genetic mutation (usually inherited) . Internal bleeding into the joints , and even mild injuries can be life-threatening.

The standard therapy is frequent infusions with blood-clotting promoters. These treatments are uncomfortable and expensive, so it is welcome news that . Many people develop an immune resistance to these infused factors, but relief may be on the way in the form of . Development of these pills depends on colonies of .

Clotting-factor infusions treat symptoms of haemophilia, . Research is also moving ahead on an alternative treatment strategy to rather than adding clotting factors.

The haemophilia community is still haunted by the traumas of blood supplies that were contaminated with HIV and hepatitis C. These experiences have led to reluctance to accept the good news that may soon be on offer, .

This Outlook, which is being published in and , is sponsored by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. It was produced independently by editors of , who have sole responsibility for all editorial content. Beyond the choice to sponsor the particular topic of haemophilia, Baxter Healthcare Corporation had no input into the editorial content of this package.

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