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Analysis and Health

Sickle cell CRISPR 'cure' is the start of a revolution in medicine

The approval of a first CRISPR treatment, for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, is just the start for a technology still in its infancy

By Michael Le Page

16 November 2023

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells

BSIP SA/Alamy

Just 13 years after the CRISPR gene-editing technique was described, the first medical treatment to make use of it has been approved. On 15 November, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency authorised a treatment that can effectively cure sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia for people aged 12 and over. The US and European Union are expected to approve it soon too.

It is a momentous step forward – and it is just the start. The…

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