This input is dated May 2021

In brief

  • Name for organization: US Hereditary Angioedema Association
  • 10,000 members at 1 Jan 2021
  • Name of approved HAE treatments:
    • Berinert
    • Cinryze
    • Firazyr
    • Haegarda
    • Kalbitor
    • Orladeyo
    • Ruconest
    • Takhzyro

Fun/interesting facts

  • The United States has the fourth longest river system in the world. The Missouri River and the Mississippi River combine to create the 4th longest river system in the world.
  • The American flag has had 27 versions. Since the founding of the United States, there have been 27 versions of the American flag. Each new flag represented the addition of new states. Today, the American flag displays 50 stars that represent the 50 states that make up the US.
  • 430 languages are spoken in the US – there are also several languages, including creoles and sign languages, that have been developed in the United States.

What positive changes have happened for people with HAE, in your country, from 2012 to now?

The positive changes that have happened for people with HAE in the United States, from 2012 to now:

  • People with HAE now have access to eight FDA approved medicines including the recently approved (December 2020) oral kallikrein inhibitor.
  • Establishing the US HAEA Angioedema Center at University of California at San Diego, an institution dedicated to in depth research and establishing a best practice for HAE care in the United States.
  • Establishing the Pam King HAEA Scholarship Program for people with HAE to pursue higher education.

HAEA Supported Publications in Peer Reviewed Medical Journals

  • HAEA / HAEi Health Economics Study. Demonstrating the high cost and quality of life burden of HAE treatment with on-demand only therapy and the quality of life value of new subcutaneous HAE preventive medicines.
  • Hereditary Angioedema Primer. 14 peer reviewed articles on vitally important HAE topics.
  • US HAEA Medical Advisory Board 2020 Guidelines for the Management of Hereditary Angioedema. Provide the US medical community with a comprehensive scientific overview of HAE in all its forms (Type I, Type II, and HAE with Normal C1-Inhibitor) and offer best practices that emphasize the importance of the patient voice in determining an optimal treatment approach.
  • US HAEA and Angioedema Center at UCSD Study of COVID-19 (1,400 participants – submitted to a peer reviewed medical journal ). The study is designed to 1) help determine if people with HAE are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 or, if infected by the virus, manifest symptoms different from those seen in the general population, and 2) provide data regarding the impact, if any, of HAE medicines on the susceptibility to, or course of, a COVID-19 infection.
  • HAEA Study of Insurance Reimbursement Challenges Faced by People with HAE. The HAEA has completed a major research initiative designed to help people with HAE and their prescribing physicians obtain insurance reimbursement for HAE medicines. We conducted surveys among 1) people with HAE, and 2) insurance specialists in physicians’ offices who file HAE medicine insurance claims. We also queried health insurance providers to better understand their perspectives on covering HAE medicines.

The HAEA is sending guidebooks to people with HAE and physicians to help navigate the complex insurance process.

  • Continued HAEA Investment into Research for HAE with Normal C1-Inhibitor. The HAEA is dedicated to supporting the important members of our community who suffer from swelling that is not caused by a deficiency in C1-Inhibitor. Scientists at the US HAEA Angioedema Center at UCSD continue to search for genetic causes and biomarkers that define HAE with Normal C1-Inhibitor. In addition, we now have in-house testing for 5 genes that are believed to be implicated.

What is the biggest achievement for people with HAE, in your country, from 2012 to now?

The biggest achievement for people with HAE in the USA is the approval of 8 different self-administered HAE therapies for prevention and treatment of attacks.The US HAEA is more committed than ever to the fundamental principle that has always guided us — helping every HAE patient lead a life that is unhindered by HAE. As an HAE community, we have made great strides in the past 10 years, but vitally important work remains. Going forward we must protect access to the currently available HAE therapies, while pushing for research that brings even better treatment options  to our children and future generations.

What is the resource, event or activity that you are most proud of organizing for people with HAE in your country, from 2012 to now?

  1. US HAEA Patient Summit events.
  2. The Brady Club – An international kids club for young people with HAE and their siblings.
  3. HAEA Children’s Book Series and interactive quarterly activity books
  4. Creation of the US HAEA. Angioedema Center at UCSD in San Diego.
  5. HAEA Treatment Education Series Webinars.
  6. The Pam King HAEA Scholarship Program.
  7. Capitol Hill Day.
  8. Created Support Groups to help people with HAE deal with emotional and physical issues.
  9. Successful recruitment for 7 Clinical Trials.
  10. Market Research.
  11. HAEA Meet & Greet events.

What support/ resources have you used from HAEi? What has HAEi helped you to achieve?

  1. Collaboration with the HAEi Youngster Community and Brady Club.
  2. Included the HAEi Leaders in the 2019 US HAEA National Summit.
  3. Active participant in Global Conference.
  4. Social Media cross-collaboration.
  5. HAEi will present the Global Perspective on Medicine Access at the US HAEA 2021 Virtual Summit Series.

Your Next Step… What do you want to achieve for people with HAE in your country by 2030?

By 2030, we want people with HAE to have unrestricted access to available modern HAE therapies so they can experience life to the fullest and effectively manage their HAE. We want people with HAE to continue benefiting from the HAEA’s innovative programs and services. We will also expand our outreach, awareness and educational initiatives to narrow the gap between symptoms and proper diagnoses for people with HAE. Ultimately, we will continue to pursue a cure!