It is the first treatment for sickle cell disease in over 20 years and promises “life-changing benefits,” the head of theSickle cell is incurable but affects 15,000 people in the UK, predominantly those from African or African-Caribbean backgrounds. Patients with sickle cell suffer from severe pain during a ‘sickle cell crisis’ which can occur multiple times a year. They’re caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking the small blood vessels.
The news of such innovation has made Sarah-Jane Nkrumah, 27, from London, happy. She says, “I’m over the moon. Firstly because it means that sickle cell is being recognised as it can be a really neglected disorder.” In terms of treatment options, current courses have been limited to preventing sickle cell crises via a tablet called hydroxycarbamide. Regular blood transfusions are also necessary for a lot of people living with the condition but they’re not always effective for people with a severe form of the disease.