NHS approves new sickle cell treatment for UK patients

A new gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease has been approved by the NHS, offering hope to the UK's 17,500 patients. The £1.6 million therapy, Exagamglogene autotemcel, will be available to about 50 patients annually who lack matched donors. The treatment modifies patients' blood stem cells to produce more foetal haemoglobin, potentially reducing pain and complications. However, many patients, like Calvin Campbell, express concern that the limited availability means it won't be a widespread solution. Blood donations are crucial for sickle cell patients, with demand rising significantly. A new donation center in Brixton aims to increase Black donors, as 55% of Black individuals in London have the rare blood type needed for these patients.