Summary:
«CRISPR gene-editing trials for treating sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia are being extended to include children aged under 12 after the therapies proved successful in ongoing trials involving people aged between 12 and 35. The aim is to treat children early enough to prevent them getting lasting damage from these inherited disorders.»
«“The results are superb,” says Josu de la Fuente at Imperial College London, a doctor who is involved in the trials, which include patients from multiple sites across the European Union, UK and US.»
«Now, the challenge will be making the treatment widely available, which could be an issue because of cost even in rich countries, says de la Fuente.»
«The CRISPR therapy used, called exa-cel, was developed by CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The companies have previously announced promising initial results from the first few people to be treated.»
Article written by Michael le Plage
Photo: Alamy
16|06|2022
Source:
New Scientist