Global Progress in Sickle Cell Disease Treatment

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global health crisis. More than 75% of the 8 million people affected by the disease live in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).

Every individual with SCD deserves access to basic care and treatment, including evidence-based interventions that can reduce complications and improve life expectancy. LMICs can face significant barriers to treatment, including the absence of universal newborn screening programs, limited access to blood transfusions and a shortage of life-saving medications like hydroxyurea. As a result, these low-resource settings can have poorer patient outcomes.

Improving SCD Care

In 2023, we witnessed a historic milestone in SCD treatment with the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first two gene therapies. However, more work must be done to ensure that every individual with SCD has a chance at survival, regardless of where they live.

Many in the blood and biotherapies community are committed to advancing SCD care and improving the quality of life for this patient population. The first feature in this issue of AABB News spotlights three trailblazing leaders in SCD research and their efforts to advance progress. The second article examines the role of transfusions for patients with SCD and novel therapies that could result in transfusion independence. 

In addition, this issue features sickle cell warrior Jimi Olaghere and his inspiring gene therapy journey, as well as filmmaker Janks Morton and his latest project to amplify sickle cell warriors.

Register Today

Registration for the 2025 AABB Annual Meeting is now open to all attendees. The blood and biotherapies field’s premier event will bring community members from throughout the world to San Diego, Oct. 25-28, to connect, network, learn and advance the field.

We have a plethora of exciting opportunities and networking events planned for attendees. The new AABB 2025 Navigate and Network program will introduce you to a small group of fellow attendees (3-4 people) via email before the event, making it easier to foster meaningful connections and create a more engaging in-person experience. This issue also features Tom Whitehead, the keynote speaker for the 2025 Annual Meeting, and provides a preview of his address—which is a story of science, love and cures with cutting-edge biotherapies.

There’s still time to take advantage of the early-bird savings. Register now to get early access to hotels and events. You don’t want to miss out.

I look forward to seeing you in San Diego!