Feb 20 (Reuters) - Pfizer ( PFE ) said on Thursday it

will end global development of its hemophilia gene therapy,

Beqvez, citing soft demand from patients and their doctors.

Beqvez was approved in the U.S. last year, for the treatment

of adults with moderate to severe hemophilia B.

The company said the discontinuation was due to several

reasons, including limited interest in gene therapies for the

bleeding disorder.

However, the company said it will redirect its time and

resources towards Hympavzi, an injectable drug approved in

October to prevent or reduce bleeding episodes in hemophilia A

or B patients aged 12 years and older.

The disorder primarily affects men and causes spontaneous

and potentially severe bleeding after injuries or surgery. It

impacts an estimated 33,000 men in the United States, according

to government data.