Genetix Biotherapeutics Inc. and the National Football League Alumni Association have launched a national awareness and education initiative focused on sickle cell disease.
The partnership aims to raise greater public understanding of the challenges faced by those living with the inherited blood disorder across the United States.
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the US, affecting approximately 100,000 people and disproportionately impacting Black communities.
The condition is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal hemoglobin, creating wide-ranging and serious health consequences for those affected throughout their lives.
Patients can experience severe pain crises, strokes, organ damage, and a significantly reduced life expectancy as a result of living with the disease long-term.
Treatment has historically focused on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying genetic cause, leaving many patients without access to transformative care options.
Recent advances in genetic medicine have changed that picture considerably, with one-time gene therapies now available that have demonstrated the ability to dramatically improve patient outcomes.
Many families remain unaware that FDA-approved genetic medicines, including one-time transformative gene therapies, are available today and have proven to dramatically transform the lives of many people impacted by the disease.
The initiative will use community engagement, personal stories, and targeted education to connect patients, families, and healthcare providers with information about available treatments and support services.
The NFL Alumni Association brings significant community reach and credibility to the campaign, helping extend its message to populations most affected by the disease.
By combining the visibility of the NFL Alumni Association with Genetix’s focus on genetic medicine, the partnership is positioned to make a meaningful difference in sickle cell disease awareness nationally.
The collaboration reflects a broader industry effort to ensure that patients living with rare diseases have access to information about the most current and effective treatment options available to them.