Foster Statement on FDA Approval of New Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapy
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Casgevy, a first-of-its-kind treatment that uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR to target sickle cell disease (SCD):
“Today’s announcement from the FDA is fantastic news for the tens of thousands of people suffering from sickle cell disease nationwide.
“As Congress’ only PhD physicist, advocating for the scientific and medical research needed to advance promising genetic-based curative therapies like CRISPR has long been one of my top priorities. From hosting Congressional briefings on gene editing to organizing educational events in my district, I’ve been committed to building support for this crucial research and its applications as a cure for sickle cell disease.
"This announcement is a testament to the critical need to provide robust, long-term federal funding that makes scientific discoveries like CRISPR and gene therapy possible. Today, we’re seeing that funding pay off with life-saving applications. Now, we need to work to ensure that these treatments are affordable and accessible.”
In a statement on the FDA approval, American Society of Hematology President Dr. Robert A. Brodsky said:
“The approval of the first gene therapies for SCD represent a tremendous step forward for the SCD community, which has been historically overlooked and underfunded. While these new gene therapies are potentially life-changing for individuals living with SCD, they must be accessible to be effective.
“Despite the recent progress in expanding SCD therapies, current treatments and treatment models do not adequately address the many barriers to care people living with SCD face, including access to providers that understand their condition, hydroxyurea for symptom management, pain medication during pain crises, and specialized and high-quality care.
“ASH remains committed to improving the availability of innovative treatments for blood disorders such as gene therapies for SCD and providing resources to clinicians to help implement these evolving therapies. People with SCD need more – they need comprehensive care.”
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