INSIDE NEWS

A boon to Sickle Cell Patients, but treatment cost seems very high

Sickle cell anaemia is a global health issue in which a mutation of the 3-globin gene changes normal haemoglobin in sickle-shaped red blood cells. Sickle cell anaemia is a common problem that leads patients to visit OPD. The greatest burden of this disease is seen in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Nepal, Sickle cell disease is prevalent in Western Nepal, widespread in Tharu community.  As per one published article, around 11-12% of the tharu community in western Nepal is Sickle cell positive.

It is good news that FDA approves first gene editing treatment for human illness especially Sickle cell disease. The decisions are being hailed as milestones for treating sickle cell and for the rapidly advancing field of gene editing, which is stirring excitement for treatment of many diseases.

This is boon for Sickle cell patients but due to treatment costs, it may not be accessible to many sickle cell patients. We hope in coming days, this treatment costs will be lowered making accessible to many patients in the world.

Please visit the link below for detail study about the gene editing treatment approved by FDA

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/12/08/1217123089/fda-approves-first-gene-editing-treatments-for-human-illness