From Valleynewslive · · 50s
Gene therapy cures sickle cell disease for first time
First gene therapy cures sickle cell disease, giving patients life freedom
In brief
First gene therapy cures sickle cell disease, giving patients life freedom Gene therapy Lyfgenia cured sickle cell disease for the first time, ending decades of pain and hospitalizations Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
First gene therapy approval
The FDA approved Lyfgenia in December 2023 for sickle cell disease treatment.
Patient story
Martin Mwita, 20, from Nebraska, regained control after gene therapy treatment.
“My mom and I actually, we've been for years really just been looking for, like, is there any way out of this”
Treatment process
Mwita's cells were modified by Bluebird Bio before high-dose chemotherapy.
Results
85% of Mwita's hemoglobin became normal after treatment, curing sickle cells.
“85% of your hemoglobin is hemoglobin A”
Patient recovery
Serenity Cole, another patient, hopes to return to normal life after treatment.
“Looking back, I just want my taste to come back”
Expert reactions
Healthcare experts praised the therapy's impact on patients' lives and aging.
“With the skin and all that, how he looked with that normal hemoglobin, normal oxygen”
The bottom line
Gene therapy Lyfgenia cured sickle cell disease for the first time, ending decades of pain and hospitalizations
