The food and drug administration approved the first CRISPR gene editing therapy.
Today,
the therapy will be used to treat sickle cell disease,
which is a blood disorder that affects the body's
ability to produce the protein in red blood cells,
known as hemoglobin,
which carries oxygen around the body.
Now, the treatment is made by Boston based Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR
therapeutics.
Clinical trials indicated that the therapy is a one
time treatment and can help reduce symptoms significantly.
About 100,000 people in the US have sickle cell disease.
Predominantly African Americans.