The Puck Drop is excited to share the news that two gene therapies have recently been approved to treat sickle cell disease, offering hope to patients who have been suffering from this genetic blood disorder. This news is especially promising for individuals like Michael Goodwin, who has endured unpredictable pain episodes and time away from work and family due to sickle cell.
However, challenges have emerged in ensuring equitable access to these costly treatments. The new gene therapies, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, come with a price tag of $2.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively. This high cost has raised concerns among patients like Goodwin, who are already facing financial difficulties.
Dr. Julie Kanter, director of the Adult Sickle Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, estimates that only 10% of individuals affected by sickle cell may be interested in trying out the new therapies. Efforts are being made by state and federal officials to make these treatments accessible to Medicaid-covered patients, with negotiations underway with drugmakers to secure discounts and payment models tied to patient health outcomes.
Furthermore, employers are also taking notice of these new sickle cell treatments and the potential impact on their employees who may be affected by the disease. The hope is that with continued efforts to address the financial barriers to access, more individuals like Goodwin will be able to benefit from these groundbreaking therapies. Stay tuned to The Puck Drop for more updates on this important development in the treatment of sickle cell disease.
