UPDATE 1-US approves two gene therapies for sickle cell disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved two gene therapies for sickle cell disease from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics , as well as from bluebird bio. Sickle cell disease is a painful, inherited blood disorder that can be debilitating and lead to premature death. In sickle cell disease, the body makes flawed, sickle-shaped hemoglobin, impairing the ability of red blood cells to properly carry oxygen to the body's tissues.