The Saga of Sickle Cell Disease
In his new book Curved Air , Kevin Davies, PhD, portrays the fascinating story of sickle cell disease, from its origins in sub-Saharan Africa to advances in gene therapy, along with powerful personal insights from patients, including some who are finally living pain-free. The post The Saga of Sickle Cell Disease appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
In December 2023, Casgevy and Lyfgenia received approval, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD, a genetic disease caused by a recessive point mutation in the beta-globin gene, was first described in medical literature in 1910. This month, Sickle Cell Awareness month, sees the release of a new popular science book on SCD titled Curved Air, written by Kevin Davies, PhD, and published by Harvard University Press.
The author, Kevin Davies, discussed the inspiration behind the book and the remarkable story of SCD during an interview with GEN.
The idea for Curved Air emerged from Davies' fascination with the CRISPR revolution, which he explored in his previous book. He was particularly drawn to the story of Victoria Gray, the first SCD patient to undergo CRISPR cell therapy. Gray's openness about her therapy and recovery in interviews with National Public Radio sparked Davies' interest in the disease, which he felt was often underfunded and neglected by the medical and pharmaceutical communities.
John Evans, CEO of Beam Therapeutics, once called SCD "the most famous genetic mutation in the world," further motivating Davies to write the book proposal that became Curved Air.
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