A new drug known as CRIZANLIZUMAB made by Novartis can be used in the treatment of sickle cell.
The drug will initially available to British citizens in what has been described as a historic moment for people with sickle cell disease.
Over 100 million people live with sickle cell disease (SCD) but there has been no significant medical development to help ease the pain of SCD patients for so long.
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder characterised by red blood cells that become sickle-shaped, leading to clumping and blockages in the small blood vessels. These blockages can cause a loss of blood flow and severe pain in episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), or sickle cell crises. The frequency and severity of VOCs is unpredictable, and each episode can take days or weeks to recover, sometimes requiring hospitalisation.
Current treatments to prevent sickle cell crises include a tablet called hydroxycarbamide and regular blood transfusions, which are not always effective for people with severe disease. Crizanlizumab is a new intravenous treatment option that can be taken on its own or alongside hydroxycarbamide.
