Vertex's sickle cell disease CRISPR therapy faces slow patient access due to stem cell collection challenges

Vertex's CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease, Casgevy, faces significant delays in patient access due to difficulties in collecting sufficient stem cells. The gene-editing therapy, approved over two years ago, has only treated about 60 patients globally, with cell collection proving a major hurdle for treatment centers. This slow rollout impacts Vertex's market position as it faces competition and highlights the complex, arduous journey patients endure for this potentially curative treatment.