# Gene therapy cures sickle cell disease for first time

> First gene therapy cures sickle cell disease, giving patients life freedom
- Title: Gene therapy cures sickle cell disease for first time
- Summary: First gene therapy cures sickle cell disease, giving patients life freedom Gene therapy Lyfgenia cured sickle cell disease for the first time, ending decades…
- Keywords: sickle cell disease, lyfgenia, children's hospital, st. louis, bluebird bio, gene therapy, hemoglobin, news, local, Gene, therapy, cures
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/18/gene-therapy-offers-new-hope-sickle-cell-patients
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:40:24.018+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sickle cell disease, lyfgenia, children's hospital, st. louis, bluebird bio, gene therapy, hemoglobin, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

Gene therapy Lyfgenia cured sickle cell disease for the first time, ending decades of pain and hospitalizations