Swedish biopharmaceutical company Sobi is presenting new and updated clinical data from its XTEND phase 3 program at the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) 2025 Comprehensive Care Summit in Dubai, taking place April 23-25. The presentations focus on Altuvoct® (efanesoctocog alfa), an innovative treatment for hemophilia A, with particular emphasis on patients' joint health and surgical outcomes.
"At WFH 2025 CCS, Sobi will present highlights from the XTEND phase 3 program and discuss the new treatment paradigm with FVIII levels in the non-hemophilia range. Sharing these clinical outcomes with the wider hemophilia community will help to ensure the latest treatment approaches are widely known and understood," said Lydia Abad-Franch, MD, MBA, Head of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs (RDMA), and Chief Medical Officer at Sobi.
Breakthrough Technology for Hemophilia A Management
Efanesoctocog alfa represents a significant advancement in factor VIII replacement therapy. The drug, known as Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN Fusion Protein, builds upon Fc fusion technology by incorporating a region of von Willebrand factor and XTEN® polypeptides to substantially extend its circulation time in the body.
What distinguishes efanesoctocog alfa from existing therapies is its ability to overcome the "von Willebrand factor ceiling" – a biological limitation that has historically restricted the half-life of factor VIII treatments. This breakthrough enables the drug to maintain near-normal factor activity levels throughout much of the week with just a single dose, potentially offering superior bleed protection compared to conventional therapies.
The treatment was first approved in the United States in February 2023 under the brand name ALTUVIIIO [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN Fusion Protein-ehtl] by Sanofi. In Europe, it is marketed as ALTOVUCT.
Strategic Collaboration Between Sobi and Sanofi
The development and commercialization of efanesoctocog alfa stems from an ongoing partnership between Sobi and Sanofi. This collaboration extends their previous joint work on hemophilia treatments Alprolix® and Elocta®/Eloctate®.
Under the terms of their agreement, Sobi holds final development and commercialization rights in its territory, which encompasses Europe, North Africa, Russia, and most Middle Eastern markets. Sanofi maintains these rights for North America and all other global regions outside Sobi's designated territory.
Implications for Hemophilia A Treatment
Hemophilia A is a rare genetic bleeding disorder characterized by insufficient levels of factor VIII, a crucial protein needed for effective blood clotting. Patients with severe hemophilia A experience spontaneous bleeding episodes, particularly into joints and muscles, which can lead to chronic joint damage, pain, and reduced mobility over time.
The once-weekly dosing regimen of efanesoctocog alfa represents a potential quality-of-life improvement for patients who currently require more frequent infusions with conventional factor VIII products. Additionally, the ability to maintain factor levels closer to the normal range may provide better protection against both spontaneous and trauma-induced bleeding events.
About Sobi
Sobi (Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB) is a specialized international biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming the lives of people with rare diseases. With approximately 1,800 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, the company provides sustainable access to innovative medicines in hematology, immunology, and specialty care.
In 2022, Sobi reported revenue of SEK 18.8 billion. The company's shares (STO:SOBI) are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, reflecting its established position in the rare disease treatment landscape.
As the WFH 2025 Comprehensive Care Summit continues through April 25, the hemophilia community eagerly anticipates the full presentation of these updated clinical outcomes, which could further validate efanesoctocog alfa's role in reshaping the treatment paradigm for hemophilia A patients worldwide.
