The National Health Service (NHS) has made available a new “life-changing” treatment for people living with sickle cell disease.
Sky News on Friday reported that thousands of sickle cell patients living in the United Kingdom (UK) could see their lives transformed by the drug, Voxelotor.
The report said Voxelotor works by helping hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
It added that the drug holds onto more oxygen and stops red blood cells from not having the normal or natural shape and form.
Voxelotor was initially rejected for widespread NHS use but the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the drug in final draft guidance after a reduction in its price.
Hazel Attua, a sickle cell patient who has lived with the potentially fatal blood disorder, has been taking the medication for almost two years.
The 33-year old Attua who is a former finance worker said the chronic pain forced her to quit her career.
“One of the most significant changes I’ve experienced is in my energy levels,” she said.
“Previously, the exhaustion from sickle cell made it challenging to function, impacting my ability to work and enjoy time with loved ones.”
Attua said she was no longer living the life of a 20-something by any means but Voxelotor transformed her situation.
“Since starting Voxelotor, my energy has soared, making a massive change to my daily routine,” she added.
“This has not only improved my physical well-being but also my mental health.”
Nigeria is believed to be the most sickle cell endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with 2% and 3% of the total population affected, according to a report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023.
