Medicine Grand Rounds, Nigel Key “Hemophilia, A 100-Year Story”

Although it’s been nearly a century since hemophilia was considered an early death sentence, treating it can be time-consuming and troublesome. Many people with the blood disease give themselves frequent drug infusions to keep their condition under control, sometimes as often as several times a week.

Several newly approved medications, while far from a cure, aim to lift some of that burden. Some will allow patients to go longer between treatments. Another drug in development aims to overcome a problem with current treatments, which can sometimes stop working for people whose bodies become resistant to them.

“There’s never been a time when the pipeline is as full as it is now,” says Nigel Key, MB, ChB, a hematologist and director of the UNC Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center. “I think it’s a reflection of the ability of biotechnology to bring these things forward.”

Dr. Key is Vice Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology. His practice is limited to patients with non-malignant blood disorders. His particular interests are in bleeding and clotting disorders.