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•The RNase H–like superfamily member PIWIL4 is required for leukemic stem cell function but dispensable for human hematopoietic stem cells.•PIWIL4 prevents R-loop accumulation, DNA damage, replication stress, and activation of the ATR pathway in AML cells.

Cases of de novo immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), including a fatality, following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in previously healthy recipients led to studying its impact in preexisting ITP. In this study, 4 data sources were analyzed: the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) for cases of de novo ITP; a 10-center retrospective study of adults with preexisting ITP receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; and surveys distributed by the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) and the United Kingdom (UK) ITP Support Association. Seventy-seven de novo ITP cases were identified in VAERS, presenting with median platelet count of 3 [1-9] ×109/L approximately 1 week postvaccination. Of 28 patients with available data, 26 responded to treatment with corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and/or platelet transfusions. Among 117 patients with preexisting ITP who received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, 19 experienced an ITP exacerbation (any of: ≥50% decline in platelet count, nadir platelet count <30 × 109/L with >20% decrease from baseline, and/or use of rescue therapy) following the first dose and 14 of 70 after a second dose. Splenectomized persons and those who received 5 or more prior lines of therapy were at highest risk of ITP exacerbation. Fifteen patients received and responded to rescue treatment. In surveys of both 57 PDSA and 43 UK patients with ITP, prior splenectomy was associated with worsened thrombocytopenia. ITP may worsen in preexisting ITP or be identified de novo post–SARS-CoV2 vaccination; both situations responded well to treatment. Proactive monitoring of patients with known ITP, especially those postsplenectomy and with more refractory disease, is indicated.

Prophylaxis with emicizumab, a subcutaneously administered bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody, promotes effective hemostasis in persons with hemophilia A (PwHAs). The primary efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of emicizumab were reported previously, but long-term data were limited. Here, data from 401 pediatric and adult PwHAs with/without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors who were enrolled in the phase 3 HAVEN 1, HAVEN 2, HAVEN 3, and HAVEN 4 studies (NCT02622321, NCT02795767, NCT02847637, NCT03020160) have been pooled to establish a long-term efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics profile. Across a median efficacy period of 120.4 weeks (interquartile range, 89.0-164.4) (data cutoff 15 May 2020), the model-based treated annualized bleed rate (ABR) was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.7). ABRs declined and then stabilized at <1 in an analysis of 24-week treatment intervals; at weeks 121 to 144 (n = 170), the mean treated ABR was 0.7 (95% CI, 0-5.0). During weeks 121 to 144, 82.4% of participants had 0 treated bleeds, 97.6% had ≤3 treated bleeds, and 94.1% reported no treated target joint bleeds. Bleeding into target joints decreased substantially. Emicizumab was well tolerated, and no participant discontinued because of adverse events beyond the 5 previously described. This data cutoff includes the previously reported 3 thrombotic microangiopathies (one in the PwHA with fatal rectal hemorrhage) and 2 thromboembolic events, all associated with activated prothrombin complex concentrate use, as well as a myocardial infarction and a venous device occlusion. With 970.3 patient-years of exposure, emicizumab prophylaxis maintained low bleed rates in PwHAs of all ages with/without FVIII inhibitors and remains well tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified.

Prophylaxis with emicizumab, a subcutaneously administered bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody, promotes effective hemostasis in persons with hemophilia A (PwHAs). The primary efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of emicizumab were reported previously, but long-term data were limited. Here, data from 401 pediatric and adult PwHAs with/without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors who were enrolled in the phase 3 HAVEN 1, HAVEN 2, HAVEN 3, and HAVEN 4 studies (NCT02622321, NCT02795767, NCT02847637, NCT03020160) have been pooled to establish a long-term efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics profile. Across a median efficacy period of 120.4 weeks (interquartile range, 89.0-164.4) (data cutoff 15 May 2020), the model-based treated annualized bleed rate (ABR) was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.7). ABRs declined and then stabilized at <1 in an analysis of 24-week treatment intervals; at weeks 121 to 144 (n = 170), the mean treated ABR was 0.7 (95% CI, 0-5.0). During weeks 121 to 144, 82.4% of participants had 0 treated bleeds, 97.6% had ≤3 treated bleeds, and 94.1% reported no treated target joint bleeds. Bleeding into target joints decreased substantially. Emicizumab was well tolerated, and no participant discontinued because of adverse events beyond the 5 previously described. This data cutoff includes the previously reported 3 thrombotic microangiopathies (one in the PwHA with fatal rectal hemorrhage) and 2 thromboembolic events, all associated with activated prothrombin complex concentrate use, as well as a myocardial infarction and a venous device occlusion. With 970.3 patient-years of exposure, emicizumab prophylaxis maintained low bleed rates in PwHAs of all ages with/without FVIII inhibitors and remains well tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified.

Emicizumab, a bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody, bridges activated factor IX (FIX) and FX to restore the function of missing activated FVIII in hemophilia A. Emicizumab prophylaxis in children with hemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors was investigated in a phase 3 trial (HAVEN 2). Participants, previously receiving episodic/prophylactic bypassing agents (BPAs), were treated with subcutaneous emicizumab: 1.5 mg/kg weekly (group A), 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (group B), or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks (group C). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy (including an intraindividual comparison of participants from a noninterventional study) were evaluated. Eighty-five participants aged <12 years were enrolled. In group A (n = 65), the annualized rate of treated bleeding events (ABRs) was 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.50), and 77% had no treated bleeding events. Intraindividual comparison of 15 participants who previously took BPA prophylaxis showed that emicizumab prophylaxis reduced the ABR by 99% (95% CI, 97.4-99.4). In groups B (n = 10) and C (n = 10), ABRs were 0.2 (95% CI, 0.03-1.72) and 2.2 (95% CI, 0.69-6.81), respectively. The most frequent adverse events were nasopharyngitis and injection-site reactions; no thrombotic events occurred. Two of 88 participants developed antidrug antibodies (ADAs) with neutralizing potential, that is, associated with decreased emicizumab plasma concentrations: 1 experienced loss of efficacy, and, in the other, ADAs disappeared over time without intervention or breakthrough bleeding. All other participants achieved effective emicizumab plasma concentrations, regardless of the treatment regimen. Emicizumab prophylaxis has been shown to be a highly effective novel medication for children with hemophilia A and inhibitors. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02795767.

Emicizumab, a bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody, bridges activated factor IX (FIX) and FX to restore the function of missing activated FVIII in hemophilia A. Emicizumab prophylaxis in children with hemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors was investigated in a phase 3 trial (HAVEN 2). Participants, previously receiving episodic/prophylactic bypassing agents (BPAs), were treated with subcutaneous emicizumab: 1.5 mg/kg weekly (group A), 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (group B), or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks (group C). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy (including an intraindividual comparison of participants from a noninterventional study) were evaluated. Eighty-five participants aged <12 years were enrolled. In group A (n = 65), the annualized rate of treated bleeding events (ABRs) was 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.50), and 77% had no treated bleeding events. Intraindividual comparison of 15 participants who previously took BPA prophylaxis showed that emicizumab prophylaxis reduced the ABR by 99% (95% CI, 97.4-99.4). In groups B (n = 10) and C (n = 10), ABRs were 0.2 (95% CI, 0.03-1.72) and 2.2 (95% CI, 0.69-6.81), respectively. The most frequent adverse events were nasopharyngitis and injection-site reactions; no thrombotic events occurred. Two of 88 participants developed antidrug antibodies (ADAs) with neutralizing potential, that is, associated with decreased emicizumab plasma concentrations: 1 experienced loss of efficacy, and, in the other, ADAs disappeared over time without intervention or breakthrough bleeding. All other participants achieved effective emicizumab plasma concentrations, regardless of the treatment regimen. Emicizumab prophylaxis has been shown to be a highly effective novel medication for children with hemophilia A and inhibitors. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.govas #NCT02795767.

Callaghan: Bayer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Biomarin: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Site Investigator/sub-I Clinical Trial, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Site Investigator/sub-I Clinical Trial, Research Funding; Grifols: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bioverativ: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Hema Biologics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylum: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Spark: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Octapharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Global Blood Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Speakers Bureau; Roche/Genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Site Investigator/sub-I Clinical Trial, Speakers Bureau; NovoNordisk: Other, Speakers Bureau; Sancillio: Other. Négrier:CSL Behring, Octapharma, Shire/Takeda, Sobi: Research Funding; CSL, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Sobi: Other: Travel support; Bayer, Biomarin, CSL Behring, Freeline, LFB, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Sanofi, Shire/Takeda, Sobi, Spark: Consultancy. Paz-Priel:Genentech, Inc: Current Employment; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Other: All authors received editorial support for this abstract, provided by Scott Battle, PhD, of Health Interactions and funded by F. Hoffmann-La Roche.. Chang:Genentech, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Chebon:F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Lehle:F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company. Mahlangu:CSL Behring, Catalyst Biosciences, Freeline Therapeutics, Novo Nordisk, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Sanofi, Spark and Takeda: Consultancy; South Africa Medical Research Council, Wits Health Consortium, Colleges of Medicine of South Africa: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CSL Behring, Catalyst Biosciences, Novo Nordisk, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Sanofi, Spark and Takeda: Speakers Bureau; BioMarin, CSL Behring, Freeline Therapeutics, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, uniQure: Research Funding. Young:Bayer, CSL Behring, Freeline, UniQure: Consultancy; Genentech/Roche, Grifols, and Takeda: Research Funding; BioMarin, Freeline, Genentech/Roche, Grifols, Kedrion, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi Genzyme, Spark, Takeda, and UniQure: Honoraria. Kruse-Jarres:Biomarin, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., CSL Behring, CRISPR Therapeutics, Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy; CSL Behring, Genentech, Inc., Spark: Research Funding; Biomarin, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., CSL Behring, CRISPR Therapeutics, Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Speakers Bureau. Mancuso:Bayer, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Octapharma, Kedrion, Grifols, Sobi, PedNet Foundation: Consultancy; Bayer, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Octapharma, Grifols, Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Bayer, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Octapharma, Kedrion, Grifols, Catalyst, Kedrion, Sobi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Center for Thrombosis and Hemorrhagic Diseases, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy: Current Employment. Niggli:F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment. Kuebler:Genentech, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Selak Bienz:F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment. Shima:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, BioMarin, Bayer, Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. , Sanofi, Bayer, Sysmex: Speakers Bureau; Patents related to anti-FIXa/FX bispecific antibodies: Patents & Royalties; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.: Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. , F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Sanofi, CSL Behring, KM Biologics, Novo Nordisk, Shire/Takeda: Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.: Consultancy. Jimenez-Yuste:F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Novo Nordisk, Takeda, Sobi, Pfizer, Grifols, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Bayer: Honoraria; F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Novo Nordisk, Takeda, Sobi, Pfizer: Consultancy; Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Takeda, Sobi, Pfizer: Research Funding. Schmitt:F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Asikanius:Fimea: Current Employment; F Hoffman-La Roche Ltd: Ended employment in the past 24 months; F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Levy:F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Genentech, Inc.: Ended employment in the past 24 months; Spark Therapeutics: Current Employment; Baxalta US: Patents & Royalties: Royalties from ADAMTS13 patent . Pipe:Medical and Scientific Advisory Council to the National Hemophilia Foundation; Medical Advisory Board to World Federation of Hemophilia: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Apcintex, Bayer, BioMarin, Catalyst Biosciences, CSL Behring, HEMA Biologics, Freeline, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd/Genentech, Inc., Sangamo Therapeutics, Sanofi, Takeda, Spark Therapeutics, uniQure: Consultancy; Siemens: Research Funding. Oldenburg:Bayer, BioMarin, Biotest, Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co., CSL Behring, Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Spark, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum and Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Bayer, BioMarin, Biotest, Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co., CSL Behring, Freeline, Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche. Ltd, Spark, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum and Takeda: Other; Bayer, BioMarin, Biotest, Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co., CSL Behring, Freeline, Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Spark, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum and Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; University Clinic Bonn: Current Employment; Bayer, Biotest, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer and Takeda: Research Funding; Bayer, BioMarin, Biotest, Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co., CSL Behring, Freeline, Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Spark, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum and Takeda: Honoraria.

Background:Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) (e.g., romiplostim, eltrombopag, avatrombopag) are used to stimulate platelet production in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). While it was previously thought that patients would need to remain on a TPO-RA indefinitely, case reports and cohort studies have shown that some patients have discontinued TPO-RAs while maintaining a hemostatic platelet count. We convened a panel of experts to develop clinical recommendations on when it is appropriate to consider tapering and how to taper TPO-RAs in children and adults with persistent or chronic primary ITP.

Introduction:Emicizumab-a subcutaneously administered, bispecific, humanized, monoclonal antibody-promotes effective hemostasis in people with hemophilia A (PwHA). The primary efficacy and safety of emicizumab were reported previously, but long-term data are limited. Here, data from a wide age-range of PwHA with/without factor (F)VIII inhibitors enrolled in the Phase III HAVEN 1 (NCT02622321), HAVEN 2 (NCT02795767), HAVEN 3 (NCT02847637), and HAVEN 4 (NCT03020160) studies are pooled to establish the durable efficacy and safety of emicizumab.

Epigenetic control of gene expression occurs within discrete spatial chromosomal units called topologically associating domains (TADs), but the exact spatial requirements of most genes are unknown; this is of particular interest for genes involved in cancer. We therefore applied high-resolution chromosomal conformation capture sequencing to map the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the human locus encoding the key myeloid transcription factor PU.1 in healthy monocytes and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. We identified a dynamic ∼75-kb unit (SubTAD) as the genomic region in which spatial interactions between PU.1 gene regulatory elements occur during myeloid differentiation and are interrupted in AML. Within this SubTAD, proper initiation of the spatial chromosomal interactions requires PU.1 autoregulation and recruitment of the chromatin-adaptor protein LDB1 (LIM domain–binding protein 1). However, once these spatial interactions have occurred, LDB1 stabilizes them independently of PU.1 autoregulation. Thus, our data support that PU.1 autoregulates its expression in a “hit-and-run” manner by initiating stable chromosomal loops that result in a transcriptionally active chromatin architecture.

Epigenetic control of gene expression occurs within discrete spatial chromosomal units called topologically associating domains (TADs), but the exact spatial requirements of most genes are unknown; this is of particular interest for genes involved in cancer. We therefore applied high-resolution chromosomal conformation capture sequencing to map the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the human locus encoding the key myeloid transcription factor PU.1 in healthy monocytes and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. We identified a dynamic ∼75-kb unit (SubTAD) as the genomic region in which spatial interactions between PU.1 gene regulatory elements occur during myeloid differentiation and are interrupted in AML. Within this SubTAD, proper initiation of the spatial chromosomal interactions requires PU.1 autoregulation and recruitment of the chromatin-adaptor protein LDB1 (LIM domain–binding protein 1). However, once these spatial interactions have occurred, LDB1 stabilizes them independently of PU.1 autoregulation. Thus, our data support that PU.1 autoregulates its expression in a “hit-and-run” manner by initiating stable chromosomal loops that result in a transcriptionally active chromatin architecture.

Background:Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most commonly used first-line cytoreductive treatment option for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) worldwide. However, increasing evidence on the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon-alpha2 (IFNα) is emerging, and optimal first-line treatment is to be established.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Background:ITP is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by transient or persistent thrombocytopenia. ITP substantially impairs pts' quality of life (QoL), including daily activities, social interactions, work and emotional wellbeing, with fatigue being the most common symptom reported by pts. Corticosteroids are the standard first-line treatment for ITP, while thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), rituximab and fostamatinib are recommended for later lines; however, these treatments have limited sustained efficacy and may be associated with short- and long-term side effects that impact QoL.

Heterotopic Ossification (HO), or Myositis Ossificans Traumatica, is the post-traumatic formation of unwanted abnormal benign lamellar ectopic bone within extra skeletal tissue locations. HO can form in varying sizes and sites in the body and can significantly impair muscle performance, range of motion (ROM), and function. Since the recent adoption of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) in hemophilia care, providers and physical therapists have deepened their understanding of hemarthropathic and hemarthrosis progression. MSKUS has also aided in detecting soft tissue injuries, muscle hematoma, and resultant HO formation. Despite advances in therapies for hemophilia, HO is emerging as an unforeseen complication of contusion and injury-related muscle bleeding in hemophilia. Its detection is important as delayed or inappropriate rehabilitation may prolong recovery and disability time. This multicenter retrospective case series sought to verify and confirm HO detection and investigate whether specific types and severities of hemophilia are at increased risk of HO.

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by changes in von Willebrand factor (VWF) that enhance binding of VWF to GPIb on platelets. Although this disorder is seemingly well defined because of this single molecular defect, in reality type 2B VWD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that can be difficult to identify and manage. Diagnostic criteria include a history of mucocutaneous bleeding, laboratory studies showing enhanced VWF binding of platelets and/or a 2B VWD genetic variant, and a family history consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. Thrombocytopenia, although not always present, is common and can be exacerbated by physiologic stressors such as pregnancy. The mainstay of therapy for type 2B VWD is VWF replacement therapy. Adjunct therapies useful in other types of VWD, such as antifibrinolytics, are also used in type 2B VWD. 1-Desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) is controversial because of exacerbation of thrombocytopenia, but is, in practice, sometimes used for minor bleeding. Here we review the available evidence and provide 3 clinical cases to illustrate the intricacies of diagnosing type 2B VWD to describe the response to DDAVP and to review complexities and management during pregnancy.

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by changes in von Willebrand factor (VWF) that enhance binding of VWF to GPIb on platelets. Although this disorder is seemingly well defined because of this single molecular defect, in reality type 2B VWD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that can be difficult to identify and manage. Diagnostic criteria include a history of mucocutaneous bleeding, laboratory studies showing enhanced VWF binding of platelets and/or a 2B VWD genetic variant, and a family history consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. Thrombocytopenia, although not always present, is common and can be exacerbated by physiologic stressors such as pregnancy. The mainstay of therapy for type 2B VWD is VWF replacement therapy. Adjunct therapies useful in other types of VWD, such as antifibrinolytics, are also used in type 2B VWD. 1-Desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) is controversial because of exacerbation of thrombocytopenia, but is, in practice, sometimes used for minor bleeding. Here we review the available evidence and provide 3 clinical cases to illustrate the intricacies of diagnosing type 2B VWD to describe the response to DDAVP and to review complexities and management during pregnancy.

Background:Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder that is heterogeneous in presentation, disease course, treatment response, and impact on quality of life. Treatments often cause unpleasant side effects, and prolonged use can lead to tolerability issues and toxicity. Both disease symptoms and treatments available impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients living with this rare condition. Here, we compare self-reported fatigue and its impact among adult ITP patients and determine whether these fatigue levels differ depending on treatment status.

Kruse: CSL Behring: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; UCB: Other: Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA; Rigel: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; Principia: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; Pfizer: Other: Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA; Argenx: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; Amgen: Other: Grant and honorarium, all paid to PDSA; Novartis: Other: PDSA received payment for recruiting patients to I-WISh and for promoting I-WISh on the globalitp.org website. Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA outside the submitted work. Lambert:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Shionogi: Consultancy; Dova: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Principia: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Educational Concepts in Medicine: Consultancy; Octapharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy; Argenix: Consultancy; ClinGen: Honoraria; Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA): Consultancy; 22qSociety: Consultancy; ITP Australia: Consultancy; CdLS Foundation: Consultancy; RDMD ITP study: Consultancy; Sysmex: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding.

Inhibitor development poses a significant challenge in the management of hemophilia because once an inhibitor is present, bleeding episodes can no longer be treated with standard clotting factor replacement therapy. Consequently, patients with inhibitors are at increased risk for difficult-to-control bleeding and complications, particularly arthropathy and physical disability. Three clinical trials in patients with inhibitors have demonstrated that prophylaxis with a bypassing agent reduces joint and other types of bleeding and improves health-related quality of life compared with on-demand bypassing therapy. In hemophilia patients without inhibitors, the initiation of prophylaxis with factor (F) VIII or FIX prior to the onset of recurrent hemarthroses can prevent the development of joint disease. Whether this is also true for bypassing agent prophylaxis remains to be determined.

Inhibitor development poses a significant challenge in the management of hemophilia because once an inhibitor is present, bleeding episodes can no longer be treated with standard clotting factor replacement therapy. Consequently, patients with inhibitors are at increased risk for difficult-to-control bleeding and complications, particularly arthropathy and physical disability. Three clinical trials in patients with inhibitors have demonstrated that prophylaxis with a bypassing agent reduces joint and other types of bleeding and improves health-related quality of life compared with on-demand bypassing therapy. In hemophilia patients without inhibitors, the initiation of prophylaxis with factor (F) VIII or FIX prior to the onset of recurrent hemarthroses can prevent the development of joint disease. Whether this is also true for bypassing agent prophylaxis remains to be determined.

MacWhirter - DiRaimo: JD has not personally received any payment personally, but PDSA has received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behr: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Kruse: CK has not personally received payment but reports that PDSA received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behring: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Bussel: CSL: Other: DSMB; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; UptoDate: Honoraria; Rigel: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; UCB: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: DSMB; Argenx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dova/Sobi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Principia/Sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Momenta/Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; RallyBio: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kruse: Alex has not personally received any payment but reports that PDSA received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behri: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other.

Lee: Principia Biopharma: Consultancy. Beltrami Moreira: Kadmon: Other: Spouse current employer; Jounce Therapeutics: Other: Spouse employment ended in the past 24 months. Al-Samkari: Amgen: Research Funding; Argenx: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy, Research Funding; Dova: Consultancy, Research Funding; Rigel: Consultancy; Sobi: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Cuker: Novo Nordisk: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; UpToDate: Patents & Royalties; Alexion: Research Funding; Spark Therapeutics: Research Funding; Synergy: Consultancy. MacWhirter - DiRaimo: JD has not personally received any payment personally, but PDSA has received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behr: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Gernsheimer: Cellphire: Consultancy; Rigel: Research Funding; Principia: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Dova: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy. Kruse: Alex has not personally received any payment but reports that PDSA received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behri: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Kessler: Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Octapharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CSL Behring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kruse: CK has not personally received payment but reports that PDSA received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behring: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Leavitt: Pfizer: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy; CSL DOVA: Consultancy; Catalys: Consultancy; Behring: Consultancy; BPL: Consultancy; HEMA Biologics: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy; Syntimmune: Research Funding; Sangamo Therapeutics: Research Funding; BioMarin: Consultancy, Research Funding. Liebman: Sanofi/Genzyme: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Argenx: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Dova: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy. Newland: Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; UCB Biosciences: Consultancy; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma: Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Argenx: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Angle: Consultancy; Grifols: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Tarantino: Pfizer: Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; UCB: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Principia: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Spark Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sobi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Dova: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Octapharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BioMarin: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Thachil: Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Kuter: Up-to-Date: Patents & Royalties: Up-To-Date; Platelet Disorder Support Association: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Actelion (Syntimmune), Agios, Alnylam, Amgen, Argenx, BioCryst, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Caremark, CRICO, Daiichi Sankyo, Dova, Genzyme, Immunovant, Incyte, Kyowa-Kirin, Merck Sharp Dohme, Momenta, Novartis, Pfizer, Principia, Protalex, Protalix, Rigel: Consultancy, Other: grant support and consulting fees; Actelion (Syntimmune), Agios, Alnylam, Amgen, Argenx, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Immunovant, Kezar, Principia, Protalex, Rigel, Takeda (Bioverativ), UCB: Research Funding; Rubius: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Cines: Dova: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy; Treeline: Consultancy; Arch Oncol: Consultancy; Jannsen: Consultancy; Taventa: Consultancy; Principia: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board. Bussel: CSL: Other: DSMB; Dova/Sobi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; UCB: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: DSMB; Momenta/Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Argenx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; UptoDate: Honoraria; RallyBio: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Principia/Sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Rigel: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

MacWhirter - DiRaimo: JD has not personally received any payment personally, but PDSA has received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behr: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Kruse: CK has not personally received payment but reports that PDSA received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behring: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other. Bussel: UCB: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: DSMB; CSL: Other: DSMB; Momenta/Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Argenx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; UptoDate: Honoraria; Principia/Sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Rigel: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dova/Sobi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; RallyBio: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kruse: Alex has not personally received any payment but reports that PDSA received grants and consultancy fees from Novartis, grant and honorarium from Amgen, grant and consultancy fees from Pfizer and UCB, and grants from Argenx, Principia, Rigel, and CSL Behri: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other.

Cases of de novoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) – including a fatality – following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in previously healthy recipients led to studying its impact in pre-existing ITP.

Kruse: CSL Behring: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; UCB: Other: Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA; Rigel: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; Principia: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; Pfizer: Other: Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA; Argenx: Other: Grant paid to PDSA; Amgen: Other: Grant and honorarium, all paid to PDSA; Novartis: Other: PDSA received payment for recruiting patients to I-WISh and for promoting I-WISh on the globalitp.org website. Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA outside the submitted work. Lambert:AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Principia: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dova: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shionogi: Consultancy; Sysmex: Research Funding; RDMD ITP study: Consultancy; ITP Australia: Consultancy; CdLS Foundation: Consultancy; 22qSociety: Consultancy; Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA): Consultancy; ClinGen: Honoraria; Bayer: Consultancy; Argenix: Consultancy; Octapharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Educational Concepts in Medicine: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Background:Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder that is heterogeneous in presentation, disease course, treatment response, and impact on quality of life. Treatments often cause unpleasant side effects, and prolonged use can lead to tolerability issues and toxicity. Disease symptoms and treatments available impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients living with ITP. Here, we compare anxiety and its impact among adult ITP patients and determine whether anxiety levels differ dependent on treatment.

Biosimilar medicinal products (biosimilars) have become a reality in the European Union and will soon be available in the United States. Despite an established legal pathway for biosimilars in the European Union since 2005 and increasing and detailed regulatory guidance on data requirements for their development and licensing, many clinicians, particularly oncologists, are reluctant to consider biosimilars as a treatment option for their patients. Major concerns voiced about biosimilars relate to their pharmaceutical quality, safety (especially immunogenicity), efficacy (particularly in extrapolated indications), and interchangeability with the originator product. In this article, the members and experts of the Working Party on Similar Biologic Medicinal Products of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) address these issues. A clear understanding of the scientific principles of the biosimilar concept and access to unbiased information on licensed biosimilars are important for physicians to make informed and appropriate treatment choices for their patients. This will become even more important with the advent of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. The issues also highlight the need for improved communication between physicians, learned societies, and regulators.

Biosimilar medicinal products (biosimilars) have become a reality in the European Union and will soon be available in the United States. Despite an established legal pathway for biosimilars in the European Union since 2005 and increasing and detailed regulatory guidance on data requirements for their development and licensing, many clinicians, particularly oncologists, are reluctant to consider biosimilars as a treatment option for their patients. Major concerns voiced about biosimilars relate to their pharmaceutical quality, safety (especially immunogenicity), efficacy (particularly in extrapolated indications), and interchangeability with the originator product. In this article, the members and experts of the Working Party on Similar Biologic Medicinal Products of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) address these issues. A clear understanding of the scientific principles of the biosimilar concept and access to unbiased information on licensed biosimilars are important for physicians to make informed and appropriate treatment choices for their patients. This will become even more important with the advent of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. The issues also highlight the need for improved communication between physicians, learned societies, and regulators.

Kruse-Jarres: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Speakers Bureau; Biomarin, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., CSL Behring, CRISPR Therapeutics, Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria; CSL Behring, Genentech, Inc., Spark: Research Funding; Biomarin, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., CSL Behring, CRISPR Therapeutics, Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy. Steiner:Uniqure: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi/Genzyme: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Quon:Bayer: Honoraria; Orthopaedic Institute for Children: Current Employment; Biomarin: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Bioverativ/Sanofi: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Genentech, Inc./F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Octapharma: Honoraria; Shire/Takeda: Speakers Bureau. von Drygalski:Biomarin: Honoraria; Hematherix LLC: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: co-founder; Uniqure: Honoraria; Bioverativ/Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Novo-Nordisk: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria.

Ghanima: Bristol Myers Squibb:Research Funding;Principia:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Pfizer:Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Amgen:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Novartis:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Bayer:Research Funding.Provan:ONO Pharmaceutical:Consultancy;MedImmune:Consultancy;UCB:Consultancy;Amgen:Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis:Honoraria, Research Funding.Cooper:Amgen:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Novartis:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.Matzdorff:Roche Pharma AG:Other: Family stockownership;Amgen GmbH:Consultancy, Other: Honoraria paid to institution;Grifols Deutschland GmbH:Consultancy, Other: Honoraria paid to institution;Swedish Orphan Biovitrium GmbH:Consultancy, Other: Honoraria paid to institution;UCB Biopharma SRL:Consultancy, Other: Honoraria paid to institution;Novartis Oncology:Consultancy, Other: Honoraria paid to institution.Santoro:Novartis:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Takeda:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Amgen:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Novo Nordisk:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Bayer:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;CSL Behring:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Roche:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Sobi:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.Morgan:Sobi:Other: Consultancy fees paid to the ITP Support Association;UCB:Other: Consultancy fees paid to the ITP Support Association;Novartis:Other: Consultancy fees paid to the ITP Support Association.Kruse:Principia:Other: Grant paid to PDSA;Pfizer:Other: Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA;Argenx:Other: Grant paid to PDSA;Novartis:Other: PDSA received payment for recruiting patients to I-WISh and for promoting I-WISh on the globalitp.org website. Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA outside the submitted work;CSL Behring:Other: Grant paid to PDSA;UCB:Other: Grant and consultancy fee, all paid to PDSA;Rigel:Other: Grant paid to PDSA;Amgen:Other: Grant and honorarium, all paid to PDSA.Zaja:Janssen-Cilag:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Takeda:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Bristol Myers Squibb:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Grifols:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Amgen:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;AbbVie:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Kyowa Kirin:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Mundipharma:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau;Novartis:Honoraria, Patents & Royalties: Pending patent (No. PAT058521) relating to TAPER trial (NCT03524612), Speakers Bureau;Roche:Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.Lahav:Novartis:Other: Consultancy fees paid to the Israeli ITP Support Association.Tomiyama:Novartis:Consultancy, Honoraria;Kyowa Kirin:Honoraria;Sysmex:Consultancy.Winograd:Novartis:Other: Consultancy fees paid to the Israeli ITP Support Association.Lovrencic:UCB:Other: Consultancy fees paid to AIPIT;Novartis:Other: Honorarium paid to AIPIT.Bailey:Adelphi Real World:Current Employment;Novartis:Other: Employee of Adelphi Real World, which has received consultancy fees from Novartis.Haenig:Novartis:Current Employment.Bussel:Novartis:Consultancy;Argenx:Consultancy;UCB:Consultancy;CSL Behring:Consultancy;Shionogi:Consultancy;Regeneron:Consultancy;3SBios:Consultancy;Dova:Consultancy;Principia:Consultancy;Rigel:Consultancy;Momenta:Consultancy;RallyBio:Consultancy;Amgen:Consultancy.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder defined by a platelet count < 100 × 109/L without explanation, and an increased risk of bleeding. ITP itself as well as its treatments have multifaceted, often poorly understood impacts on patients’ quality of life (QoL). These effects include impact on activities of daily living, emotional health, energy, ability to think well and clearly, and productivity in the workplace. There are limited data on which individual aspects of ITP are perceived both by patients and physicians as having the greatest impact on QoL. Understanding patients’ perspectives is vital to optimize their QoL by specifying particular areas in need of therapy.

Introduction:

Hemophilia is an X-linked bleeding disorder characterized by deficiencies of Factor VIII or IX. Hypertension in persons with hemophilia (PWH) appears to be more prevalent compared to the general population. A major complication of hemophilia remains the development of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) against infused clotting factor. It tends to occur within the first 50 exposure days and therefore mostly in children with severe hemophilia. Since inhibitor development is associated with high mortality and morbidity, their eradication with high dose clotting factor concentrates is critical and successful in the majority of patients. Recently a cohort study showed a positive association between presence of inhibitors in elderly patients and cardiovascular disease, although a small number of patients with inhibitors were included in that study (Sood SL, Blood Advances 2018). To date, the link between a history of inhibitors and hypertension has not been established. The primary purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between hypertension in PWH and a history of inhibitors, with the additional goals of investigating the association between hypertension and hemophilia type and viral status.