First gene-editing therapy which may cure blood disorder to be offered on the NHS

The first therapy that uses gene-editing is to be offered through the NHS in a “revolutionary breakthrough” for patients.

The method will be used as a potential cure for blood disorder beta thalassaemia.

Patients with the condition struggle to produce enough haemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.  It is a genetic disease that is passed down through families and caused by defects in the body’s instructions for manufacturing haemoglobin.

It can leave people severely tired, weak and short of breath, and also reduces life expectancy.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence watchdog has approved the therapy after assessing the costs and benefits of what it calls a “potential cure”.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said “This is a historic moment for people living with beta thalassaemia with a potential cure for those facing this debilitating disorder now available on the NHS.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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