A look at breakthrough treatment for sickle cell anemia

A cutting-edge gene therapy is offering new hope in combating the painful disease that afflicts about 100,000 Americans, many of whom are Black.

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[SalimSivaad]

I’m a Black American molecular biologist. I 1st learned of the CRISPR technique back in 2011, and immediately understood its potential for a Sickle Cell Disease cure. I’m so glad the science has finally made it from the laboratory to the clinic. I once met a 30 year old SCD patient in the midst of a crisis…I was absolutely moved to tears by his cries of agony; made worse by the reticence of his healthcare providers to administer the necessary pain relief for fear he was “faking it” and simply “drug-seeking”. People don’t understand how painful this disease is…and the fact the vast majority of patients affected by the disease are Black has led to a gap in understanding, empathy and research dollars. It’s my wish that everyone who has this horrific illness gets access to this gene-editing therapy as soon as possible, no matter their location or ability to pay.

[BelieverFirstwithSharonJoy]

This condition is entirely overlooked. Grateful for this development.

[tishainnis]

I wish my sister was alive to have had this groundbreaking therapy. Rest in peace Kamara.

[mmonarchs]

My daughter has sickle cell and this is very overlooked. People don't even understand what these people go through on a daily basis 😭 I'm so happy this is available.

[CLBROX]

If this is made freely available to patients, this would change the planet 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[Nelly_du]

My mom's best friend died from sickle cell disease (drépanocytose in French) in their childhood. My sister's classmate died from it in middle school. So many people die from it in Benin (west Africa). I hope this treatment will soon be available on the African continent as it is VERY much needed. Thanks for the groundbreaking research.

[nualisplace]

I watched an interview of a young man in Kenya on Tuko who applied for Euthanasia in Belgium because he couldn't stand the pain anymore and didn't have the money to seek advanced treatment.I can only imagine him getting access to this treatment

[daniellem]

"I had no time to wait for someone else to be brave" powerful 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[LovelyyShyy]

My 6 year old son has sickle cell anemia. His first crisis was at 8 months old. This disease is so underrated and I’m so happy that they are bringing more awareness to this. I totally empathize with these stories and the untold stories of individuals who struggle with SCD❤❤

[delshondakimble]

Wish they had this back then before my father passed away due to this disease 😢!! They said he wouldn’t make it to 8 yrs old!! He made it to 56!! Soo young RIP Lamar Kimble ❤❤❤

[kaistockman]

What I want to know is will this treatment be covered by insurance? I hope it is.

[msmampful]

My daughter has Sickle Cell SS. I hope that this treatment proves to be remarkable for young people and adults. 🙏🏾

[tinamarie.musicc]

I’ve had 2 close cousins who were sisters pass away from this disease. I’m glad to hear there are advancements being made in the treatment of this disease 👏🏾

[teresalegler]

This is wonderful news. Sickle Cell Disease is definitely horrific for the patient and family. Prayers that things continue to improve for these patients and hopefully, many more to come. Thank you for sharing this story.

[janicegriffith]

This is so needed in Guyana and thank God for this breakthrough! Both me and my son have the trait; my son get pains from time to time however, I don't.

[LukeAiwuyuse]

I'm 35 and live in Nigeria, I was diagnosed when I was 10. Wish this remedy was available here.

[brandiewells]

Currently pregnant with a little boy who has the possibility of being born with the disease. I pray that he isn’t born with it . Praying for all the scd warriors

[gabrielledussett]

As a healthcare professional who has taken care of sickle cell patients it’s a terrible disease and I applaud the bravery of Victoria to open the door for many other deserving patients.

[nanyaonwuamaeze]

Thank you Good Morning America - I appreciate you for this broadcast. I receive this research result on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) therapy with thankful tears and trust in God that it will be a blessing to the millions of people and their loved ones suffering because of SCD all over the world.

[ikelaiho]

This is good news. My first girl friend suffered from this. She went through so much pain. I started crying many times just watching her. Some good news in this hard world.