On Friday, April 3, 2020, the program of delivering drugs from hospitals directly to the homes of patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) started by Takeda in response to the appeal of the medical community and in accordance with the announcement of the Ministry of Health.
Press Release
High-risk group
Primary immunodeficiency (PID) is a group of over 400 diverse, rare diseases of the immune system. These diseases disrupt the functioning of the immune system and, consequently, cause chronic and recurrent infections of the respiratory system and internal organs.
Disturbances in the production of immunoglobulins are the most numerous type of PID, accounting for more than half of all cases, and the majority, 62% of patients, are children and adolescents up to 19 years of age. Due to the nature of the disease, primary immunodeficiency patients are at particular risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the severe course of COVID-19 disease.
Primary immunodeficiency patients are especially vulnerable to epidemics. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which affects the respiratory tract of an infected person, is extremely dangerous for immunocompromised patients. Ensuring the continuity of treatment for these patients and guaranteeing their safety is a priority in the current situation.
I hope that drug deliveries to patients’ homes in the near future will be available to all children who receive home subcutaneous immunoglobulin supply – emphasized Prof. dr hab. Sylwia Kołtan from the Department of Paediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, National Consultant in the field of Clinical Immunology.
Medication straight to the sick home
Out of concern for the safety of patients, Takeda Polska, a manufacturer of drugs, incl. for patients with primary immunodeficiency, in close cooperation with medical centers, launched a program of immunoglobulin deliveries to patients’ homes.
Thanks to the delivery program, on Friday, April 3, immunoglobulins used in the treatment of PID reached the first patient from the treatment center.
We are proud to be able to bear some of the burden of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland. Thanks to our extensive experience in delivering drugs to the homes of patients with hemophilia, we were able to quickly and efficiently start the delivery program for patients with primary immunodeficiencies.
We hope that this quick organization of drug delivery will not only relieve the health care system, but above all will protect these particularly sensitive patients from the risk of contracting COVID-19, and will also reduce unnecessary stress that would be associated with the need to stay in the hospital – said Nienke Feenstra , CEO of Takeda Polska.
Patients in home medications are those who have previously received home treatment and know how to properly administer or take medications. However, in spite of receiving therapy at home, the treatment program requires regular visits to the center in order to receive new sets of medications.
The guidelines introduced by the Minister of Health have today opened the possibility of delivering medicines directly to patients’ homes, thanks to which they do not have to travel to their doctor and put themselves in danger – emphasized Prof. dr hab. med. Karina Jahnz-Różyk, Head of the Department of Internal Diseases, Pneumology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Military Medical Institute in Warsaw.
In the first place, drug supplies were delivered to patients of the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw and the University Hospital of Jurasza in Bydgoszcz. The company is in talks with other institutions all over Poland in order to expand the supply area and protect as many patients as possible.
Primary immunodeficiencies
Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a group of genetic diseases that hugely affect children. There are over 5000 people diagnosed with PID in Poland. Most of the primary immunodeficiencies are related to impaired or complete absence of immunoglobulin production by the body, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections. Reducing the risk of infections requires continuous treatment, usually throughout life.
Untreated PID can result in the development of disease-related complications and burdens, which can lead to organ damage and, consequently, an increased risk of death. The most commonly used form of treatment in primary immunodeficiencies is replacement therapy with immunoglobulin preparations containing human immunoglobulin (Ig) as the active ingredient. Immunoglobulins are administered directly by intravenous infusion or by subcutaneous administration. In the case of subcutaneous administration of the drug, it can be performed at home, by the patient or their caregiver after appropriate training.
Immunoglobulin G replacement therapy protects immunodeficient patients against severe bacterial infections and their chronic complications. Conducted at home, it allows you to avoid regular hospital stays. However, to be effective, treatment must be given regularly and systematically. Immunoglobulins in home therapy in Poland, depending on the preparation and the patient’s needs, are taken subcutaneously, usually weekly or monthly.
Administration at home requires the appropriate education and training of the patient or caregivers, which requires effort on the part of the patient and medical staff. It is worth doing this work, because home therapy is a chance for normal social and professional activity of patients, which is extremely important – said Dr. Ewa Więsik-Szewczyk from the Department of Internal Diseases, Pneumonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology of the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw .
Reducing the need for visits to hospitals or clinics increases the patient’s quality of life, which is often pointed out by those interested themselves. This reduces the degree of therapy interference with the patient’s personal, family and professional life. There are also psychological and economic issues. Patients do not experience additional stress related to the increased risk of exposure to coronovirus infection – said Jolanta Birek, a nurse from the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw.
For patients, home therapy is also an opportunity to reduce the expenses associated with frequent trips to the hospital, save time, and reduce the feeling of being seriously ill. Effective, modern therapies help improve the health of patients with PID and significantly reduce the number of infections. Thanks to this, the patient can lead a normal life, work professionally, study, play sports or have a family.
Press Release