Gene therapy webinar

Gene Therapy: ‘Ask Me Anything’ with Dr Michiel Coppens

Watch the interview here (transcript also available).

In May 2024 we were fortunate to have Dr Michiel Coppens join us at the HFA office for an interview about gene therapy. Dr Coppens is a leading haematologist at Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands, recognised internationally for his expertise in gene therapy.

Chaired by Dr Stephanie P’ng, Chair of the Australian Haemophilia Treatment Centre Director’s Organisation (AHCDO), and led by questions from the community, Dr Michiel Coppens explained what gene therapy is, how it works, and how it can be used to treat people with haemophilia.

The interview opened with a thorough introduction to gene therapy, specifically AAV gene therapy, and dove into the results of haemophilia A and haemophilia B clinical trials. Dr Coppens’ extensive knowledge of haemophilia and experience in gene therapy – he dosed the first Dutch patient with gene therapy back in 2015 – enabled him to provide information that is both detailed and easy to understand.

Dr Coppens then moved on to discuss the advantages – and disadvantages – of gene therapy. His advice for those considering this treatment is to consider who they are as a person, recognising that some people may be keen to try it, while others will prefer to wait and see.

The interview concluded with a Q&A session where Dr Coppens answered questions from our community. Questions ranged from eligibility criteria – will gene therapy be available to people with mild haemophilia? – to whether it could be used to treat type 3 VWD.

We want to thank Dr Coppens and Dr P’ng for taking the time to share their knowledge and experience. The full interview and a transcript can be found on the HFA website.