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By Sean Marshall
This week it is officially easier to test for sickle cell anemia then ever before. According to clapway.com as well as medicalpress.com has reported that a new app along with a 3D printer could “hat can accurately diagnose and monitor sickle cell disease in the field or at a remote clinic, using just a few drops of blood.” The team behind the groundbreaking research is led by UConn assistant professor of mechanical engineering Savas Tasoglu his hopes are that anyone who cannot reach a hospital in a developing worlds, often where sickle cell anemia does the most damage, could test their blood and adding only a few drops to a device attached to their phone. The device or platform “contained in a lightweight, compact box that can be attached to a common Android smartphones.” Then the phone would run the app send it to the nearest 3D printer for the most accurate results including a mapping of the bloodstream and where potential treats that could occur. Meanwhile the app should analysis the results of the test and explain the best course of action to be taken by the patient. The only catch is that the blood “needs to mixed into a solution of gadolinium and sodium salts. This solution is then squirted through a small disposable transparent capillary tube that is clipped into the smartphone attachment between its two magnets. The tube is illuminated by the smartphone attachment’s LED light which is mounted opposite the phone’s camera.” So the only real concern would be the refilling o the solution and the cost of the app and device to attach to a persons phone. Ultimately though the price should hopefully outweigh the cost of life or at the very least outweigh the potential trip to a medical facility which for some is either a non option or a lengthy trip that could cost them many days. On a lighter note tough they app will revolutionize the lives of people in developing nations allowing them to much more easily regulate themselves and their loved ones. The two articles can be found below: http://clapway.com/2015/10/23/smartphone-test-for-sickle-cell-anemia123/ http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-easy-sickle-cell-disease.html If there are any comments questions or concerns email us at [email protected]
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By Sean Marshall
The Seattle Times covered an article this week published an article on gene editing. It mainly focused on what could be considered ethical. However when the article focused on gene the implications editing can have those who sufferer from sickle cell anemia it became more interesting. The idea behind gene editing is that when a human embryo is forming certain traits in theory, and very soon in practice, a doctor could edit out potential problems. For instance they could edit out the sickle cell trait. As of right now scientists are calling the gene editing technique CRISPR-Cas9 to edit animals mainly but others are making the jump to human beings. The big controversy is that a team in China managed to edit a human embryo potential curing a deadly disease. This then lead to the debate about designer babies. This concept involves changing the entire genetic pattern of ones child to suit the wants of the parent. This is when the article starts to lose any connection with sickle cell and starts becoming something else. Although it doesn't really seem all that morally complicated of an issue to stop sickle cell disease. Most parents aren’t going to go overboard and ultimately this is all theoretical until CRISPR-Cas9 becomes more widespread. If you'd like to learn more about the issue you can find the original article here: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/gene-editing-holds-huge-promise-but-whats-ethical/ Other news this week another biopharmaceutical company engaging in developments for treating rare disease. It was announced that Emmaus Life Scenic inc, a biopharmaceutical company out of Orrance California has decided to develop commercial treatments for “therapies for rare and orphan diseases,” this did include sickle cell disease. There plan was to have “management present an abstract from its completed FDA phase 3 sickle cell disease (SCD) trial at the 9th annual Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Advance Conference.” The news itself isn't anything spectacular but in recent weeks more and more companies are going public about their developments into possible cures or at the very least life easing drugs that affect sickle cell anemia. In the past month many pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies are not only becoming publicly traded but are becoming much more profitable because they are banking on public interest and support due to claims of a sickle cell free world one day. The original article can be found here:http://news.sys-con.com/node/3489754 If there are any comments questions or concerns email us at [email protected] By Sean Marshall
An article published this week has stated that “Mast Therapeutics shows promise regarding sickle cell treatment as mentioned by opinion leader.” This article featured on Street Wis Journal one of Richmond Vermont’s business trading news organization has reported that Roth Capital health care annalist Michael Higgins has “shed some light regarding the feasibility and potential short and mid-term prospects of Mast Therapeutics.” Mast Therapeutics is a San-Diego based biopharmaceutical company. At least that's what it says on their website. The company itself specializes in treating various disease but as of recently they have been attempting to aid in the treatment and possible curing of sickle cell disease. What is so important about Mass Therapeutics right now is that they are teaming up with it was a the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Higgins which has “been treating around 450 patients who have sickle cell anemia.” The reason for the treatment is that the area in recent years has seen an increase in sickle cell anemia. In fact stats given were around 70%. With the combined efforts of a big drug company and a Rutgers Cancer Institute there should be a positive outcome. Especially since Mast Theraputics stocks have risen because of the announcement. The article since it is primary business focused did mention that this has mainly been done in an attempt to bring up stick to 3 dollars a share. Oddly this could have a beneficially outcome. If it does increase to the desired affect it shows that a cure for sickle cell disease is profitable. Perhaps other companies will follow Mast Therapeutics footsteps if all goes as planned. But what is really important is the people who lies should hopefully be improved by the overall research. Especially those in New Jersey. The original article can be found in the link: http://www.streetwisejournal.com/mast-therapeutics-shows-promise-regarding-sickle-cell-treatment-as-mentioned-by-opinion-leader/11426/ If you have any comments questions or concerns email us at [email protected] |
AboutThis section is solely to let our Sickle Soldiers tell their story trials & tribulations alongside things they feel are wrong in the Sickle Cell Community Archives
March 2016
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