The initiative aims to drive HAE awareness through patient education, and timely diagnosis through free-of-cost diagnostics as the key growth drivers to address priority unmet needs
Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India has launched ‘Sunrise Patient Services Program (PSP)’ for Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) patients in India.
HAE is a life-threatening rare genetic disease that affects various parts of the body, such as limbs, hands, feet, genitals, abdomen face, and throat. In addition, patients often have bouts of excruciating abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that are caused by swelling in the intestinal wall. Airway swelling is particularly dangerous and can lead to death by asphyxiation.
Sunrise is a patient support programme and as the name suggests, the goal is for the sun to rise on a new dawn bringing hope to HAE patients in India. It is built on four elements i.e., awareness, screening and diagnosis, treatment and maintenance support implemented by an independent patient services agency funded by Takeda.
Highlights of the programme include:
· Field counselling and tele-support services
· Free of cost HAE testing through quality diagnostic labs
· Treatment reimbursement navigation and lifestyle counselling support throughout the patient’s treatment journey
Dr Sandeep Arora, Head, of Medical Affairs and Patient Services, said, “HAE is a lifelong disorder, and we at Takeda are highly committed to supporting patients fighting HAE among other rare diseases. This disease is grossly under-recognised in India because of a lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities. As per reports, approximately 50 per cent of HAE patients receive more than one misdiagnosis in their lifetimes. Additionally, 50% of patients experience a delay of over 10 years from the onset of symptoms to the correct diagnosis. Due to a lack of epidemiological data in India, early diagnosis is often not carried out and patients continue suffering for the entirety of their lives. With the introduction of Sunrise PSP, we hope to positively impact the quality of life for HAE patients in India.”
The programme launched by Takeda strives to advance healthcare standards and enhance the quality of life in the world of HAE where awareness is limited leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. The company intends to create a positive impact on patients’ lives by increasing awareness of HAE and access to free-of-cost diagnostics & empowering HAE patients to access their treatments with ease and manage their lifestyle comfortably to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
The patient-service programme has also set up a toll-free helpline number to provide adequate counselling, which will further help in tracking the patient’s symptoms and prompt diagnosis for better health outcomes and improved lifestyle.
