Preventive subcutaneous treatment of severe hemophilia A with bispecific antibodies that mimic the action of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is emerging as an effective alternative to replacement therapy with intravenous administration of FVIII concentrates, either derived from plasma or produced by biotechnology. Access to this innovative therapeutic approach for a growing number of patients worldwide increasingly appears to be a priority public health strategy. Inclusion of FVIII mimetic bispecific antibodies on the World Health Organization essential medicines list would contribute to health equity in lower-income countries. •New hemophilia agents called bispecific antibodies mimicking factor VIII are important treatments.•The new medicine emicizumab is one and is effective administered under the skin instead of intravenously.•Wider access to these antibodies worldwide appears to be a public health priority.•Granting of WHO essential medicine status would lead to more equity for low-income countries.