Haematology is the area of medicine dealing with diseases of the blood.
The blood system is complex and has a central role in the body, working with many other systems. It has important transport functions, delivering essential substances, such as nutrients, oxygen, hormones and other signal substances to cells in almost every part of the body, as well as transporting waste products away from those cells. The white blood cells have an important role for the immune system, protecting against threats such as bacteria and other infectious agents.
The area of haematology covers a wide range of diseases and problems, involving red and white blood cells, blood clotting, platelets, and bone marrow. Some diseases of the blood are malignant, which means a cancer involving the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system, while others are benign, or non-cancerous, such as anaemia, haemophilia or other blood clotting conditions.
Sobi’s focus within haematology
Haemophilia
Haemophilia is a rare condition where the blood does not clot properly. This can result in prolonged bleeding (bleeding that lasts longer than usual) and, in severe cases, spontaneous internal bleeds (bleeding that happens inside the body for no clear reason). There are two main forms of Haemophilia; Haemophilia A and Haemophilia B.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterised by abnormally low levels of platelets, also known as thrombocytes, in the blood. ITP is the autoimmune form of thrombocytopenia and can lead to bruising and an increased risk of bleeding.
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)
PNH is a rare disorder in which red blood cells break apart prematurely. It is an acquired (meaning it is not present at birth), rare, chronic and, potentially, life-threatening blood disease commonly characterised by persistently low haemoglobin, thrombosis and debilitating symptoms. Symptoms include fatigue, anaemia and blood clots.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which is a blood cancer that affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. DLBCL develops from abnormal B cells which are larger than normal, healthy B cells. The term 'diffuse' refers to how the cells spread, as they can move to other locations of the body through the blood and lymphatic system.
Therapeutic areas
Learn more about all our therapeutic areas spanning - Immunology, Haematology and Specialty Care.
Sep, 2025