In England, the health watchdog has endorsed a groundbreaking treatment for sickle cell disease, heralded as a transformative breakthrough for individuals coping with the condition.
Voxelotor, a medication, has received a recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for inclusion in NHS treatments in England. It is intended for individuals aged 12 and above who are afflicted with sickle cell disease.
The drug, administered as a daily tablet, is said to significantly improve the quality of life for people with sickle cell by helping to reduce their need for blood transfusions, which can then lead to having fewer hospital visits.
Sickle cell disease is more common among individuals with African or Caribbean ancestry, as noted by the NHS. In England, approximately 17,000 individuals have the condition, with an estimated 4,000 eligible for the new treatment. Charities and organisations dedicated to supporting those with sickle cell disease have expressed their approval of the drug's endorsement.
Charles Kwaku-Odoi, the chief executive of the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), said: “On behalf of people living with Sickle Cell and the Black community as a whole, we are absolutely delighted that this treatment has been approved by Nice. This treatment offers significant hope of better quality of life to those that suffer from this often-debilitating condition. At CAHN, we continue to advocate and amplify patient voices when addressing systemic inequities for a community that is underserved.”
