BHS and BSPHO join forces for Gene Therapy reimbursement for Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia

The Belgian Hematology Society (BHS) and the Belgian Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (BSPHO) are joining forces to ask health authorities to reimburse gene therapy for the treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent thalassemias, a new treatment that can cure patients of their disease.

In this context, they have jointly published two open letters, to which our BHS Red Blood Cell Workgroup contributed, which examine the growing role of gene therapy in hereditary red blood cell disorders —sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia - and in improving outcomes for patients who currently face limited curative options.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disorder in the world. It causes chronic hemolytic anemia, intense painful crises, and complications in multiple organs. Transfusion-dependent thalassemias, meanwhile, require lifelong transfusions, with all the associated risks.