Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India, a global values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader, has launched its ‘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 is caused by swelling in the intestinal wall. Airway swelling is particularly dangerous and can lead to death by asphyxiation.

Sunrise is a patient support program 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 & Diagnosis, Treatment, and Maintenance Support implemented by an independent patient services agency funded by Takeda.

Speaking about the Sunrise PSP launch, 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 recognized in India because of lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities. As per reports, approximately 50% 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 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 program 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 program 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.