Congressman Danny K. Davis commends the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institute of Health on their new Cure Sickle Cell Initiative

Congressman Danny K. Davis Statement new Sickle Cell Iniative

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Danny K. Davis commends the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institute of Health on their new Cure Sickle Cell Initiative. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that is a major problem in the United States. An estimated 100,000 Americans live with the disease. More than 2.5 million Americans have the Sickle Cell Trait, including 1 in 12 African Americans. The average life span of an adult with SCD is 45 years.

The NHLBI Cure Sickle Cell Initiative is a collaborative research effort that will accelerate the development of genetic therapies to cure sickle cell disease. The Initiative will identify and support the most promising genetic therapies so they can be safely used in clinical research within five to 10 years. The Initiative aims to transform the lives of people who have sickle cell disease by creating a collaborative, patient-focused research environment.

Mr. Davis said, “The NIH’s Cure Sickle Cell Initiative offers hope to many of my constituents in the 7th District of Illinois and the nation who are suffering from this dreadful disease. Finding a cure from many different scientific research sectors are essential to eliminate the Sickle Cell Disease.”

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