Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease Sparks Dilemma Among African Americans

Research at Georgia State University highlights the challenge of gene therapy uptake for treating sickle cell disease in the African American community. Although the US FDA-approved therapies, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, show promise in treating the disease, the African American community is facing a dilemma due to low uptake of these therapies. The study aims to document the challenges associated with gene therapy among African Americans with sickle cell disease and propose solutions to address them.

Key Takeaways:

• Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, with 90% being African American.
• The US FDA has approved two gene therapies, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, for treating sickle cell disease.
• Despite the promise of these therapies, uptake has been low in the African American community.
• The low uptake of gene therapy is causing a dilemma and challenges among African Americans with sickle cell disease.
• The research aims to document the challenges associated with gene therapy among African Americans and propose solutions to address them.
• Elizabeth Armstrong-Mensah and colleagues conducted the research at Georgia State University's School of Public Health.

Statistics:

• Approximately 100,000 people in the US have sickle cell disease.
• 90% of those affected are African American.
• Only 10% of African Americans with sickle cell disease have accessed gene therapy.
• The low uptake of gene therapy has led to a dilemma and challenges among African Americans with sickle cell disease.

Sources:

• Sickle Cell Disease and Gene Therapy Among African Americans: A Dilemma and Challenge. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 2025.
• NewsRx. Researchers at Georgia State University Report New Data on Gene Therapy (Sickle Cell Disease and Gene Therapy Among African Americans: A Dilemma and Challenge). Hematology Week. November 3, 2025.