Novo Nordisk A/S Celebrates World Hemophilia Day And Shares New Support Programs, Including HeroPath And Career Counseling

PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk is proud to celebrate World Hemophilia Day, which aims to raise awareness of the disease and other inherited bleeding disorders. As part of the company's continued commitment to the bleeding disorders community, Novo Nordisk is pleased to announce its new comprehensive patient support program, NovoSecure. Eligible patients can apply for offerings including Career Counseling and HeroPath life coaching, which are specifically tailored to help patients address the often overlooked aspects of living with a chronic disease.

Novo Nordisk has decided to bring Career Counseling and HeroPath to the bleeding disorders community as the result of insights uncovered through Novo Nordisk's Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) initiativethe largest international study on the psychosocial impact of hemophilia on patients and their loved ones. The HERO data highlighted the need for additional support on how to manage life transitions and interpersonal relationships.^1,2 People living with hemophilia reported not only that hemophilia creates additional burden and stress in their daily lives, but also that they are worried about the impact the disorder may have on their future years.^1,2 Additionally, the data demonstrated young adults living with bleeding disorders encounter additional psychosocial challenges in daily life, with more than 7 in 10 of 66 millennial respondents saying they experienced an unfavorable impact on employment due to their disease.³

"Novo Nordisk has a long history of providing comprehensive, meaningful resources to the bleeding disorders community," said Eddie Williams, senior vice president, Biopharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk Inc. "We recognize people living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders need support that goes well beyond the medical aspects of the diseases, which is why we have chosen to expand our offerings in this area, both with HeroPath and the new Career Counseling program."

About HeroPath
Launched in 2014 with 100% positive feedback from participants, HeroPath is an empowering program that connects participants with life coach and peer support to help them excel in their daily lives and chart a clear path forward. Designed by Jeffrey Leiken, Chief Executive Officer at Evolution Mentoring International, this program is being offered to privately insured and uninsured teens and young adults with hemophilia ages 1625. Novo Nordisk product usage is not an eligibility requirement.

Based on feedback from the 2014 program participants, their parents, and the bleeding disorders community, this year's program has been enhancedincluding expanded age ranges and a Spanish-language offering. HeroPath attendees will have the opportunity to work directly with Jeff, his team of expert coaches, and fellow peers at one of two unforgettable kickoff weekends. Participants then receive monthly, one-on-one coaching sessions for a full year following the kickoff. To learn more about HeroPath, visit mynovosecure.com.

About Career Counseling
Eligible people living with bleeding disorders, ages 1830, who are privately insured or uninsured can apply through NovoSecure (mynovosecure.com) for career counseling and professional support. Novo Nordisk product usage is not an eligibility requirement. Expert career counselors will work with young adults to help uncover the right career, transition to a new opportunity, or simply strengthen their professional skill set.

Personalized, private career counseling, conducted over the phone or Skype, will help participants gain a deeper understanding of what's important to them and how that can resonate with career choices and opportunities. Participants will create a game plan and practice for interviews, while gaining confidence and honing in on skills and capabilities.

About NovoSecure
NovoSecure is a comprehensive patient support program specifically designed for and inspired by the bleeding disorders community. It reflects this community's evolving needs and aims to better help all enrollees reach their personal goals. NovoSecure offers enrollees, depending on their eligibility, the opportunity to apply for a variety of programs, including a competitive scholarship program, life coaching with HeroPath, career counseling, and insurance support. Novo Nordisk product usage is not an eligibility requirement.

NovoSecure launched on March 26, 2015, and is open to people with hemophilia A, hemophilia A or B with inhibitors, congenital Factor VII deficiency, acquired hemophilia, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, or congenital Factor XIII deficiency. For more information, visit mynovosecure.com or call 1-844-NOVOSEC (1-844-668-6732).

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy, and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk employs approximately 41,500 employees in 75 countries and markets its products in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

References

1. Guelcher C, Rice M, Forsyth A, et al. Hemophilia impacts interpersonal relationships, intimacy and family dynamics: US results from Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunity (HERO) study. NHF's 64^th Annual Meeting. November 810, 2012.
2. Nugent DJ, Guelcher C, Forsyth A, et al. Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunity (HERO) study: US respondent demographics and impact of diagnosis on career and lifestyle decisions and quality of life. 54^th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology. December 811, 2012.
3. Witkop M, Hawk S, Lambing A, et al. Hemophilia Impacts Relationships and Employment of Young Adults (Ages 1830) in the United States HERO Study. Poster session presented at: National Hemophilia Foundation's 66^th Annual Meeting; 2014 Sep 1820; Washington, DC.

HeroPath is a trademark of Likone Corporation.
NovoSecure is a trademark of Novo Nordisk Health Care AG.

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SOURCE Novo Nordisk