Haemic and lymphatic diseases

Manufacturer withdraws treatment for sickle cell disease following concern over deaths

Pfizer's withdrawal is based on data that suggest “an imbalance in vast-occlusive crises and fatal events which require further assessment”.…

First gene-editing therapy recommended by NICE to treat people with beta thalassaemia

NHS England said that around 460 patients aged 12 years and over could benefit from the treatment.…

Haemophilia treatment first to be recommended by NICE as part of new drug pricing agreement

Etranacogene dezaparovovec (Hemgenix; CSL Behring) is also the first medicinal product to enter the Innovative Medicines Fund.…

NICE recommends voxelotor for sickle cell treatment, reversing previous decision

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said it was able to recommend the sickle cell treatment following a reduction in its price.…

Iron deficiency anaemia: symptoms, diagnosis and management

Globally, iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia and has numerous causes. Pharmacists should be aware that patients can present with a range of symptoms.…

Gene-editing sickle cell drug not approved for NHS use in draft NICE guidance

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said it required “additional data” beyond the current proposal.…

NICE requests more evidence on sickle cell disease treatment voxelotor

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence initially rejected voxelotor for NHS use on the grounds that clinical trial evidence did not support cost effectiveness.…

Our drive to increase diversity on the stem cell register

How a partnership between the Muslim Doctors Cymru group and charity Anthony Nolan is promoting diversity in stem cell donations.…

Improving safety of warfarin prescribing and administration using clinical decision support

There are several benefits of electronic prescribing and medication administration (EPMA) systems, including the ability to support the reduction in medication omission errors[1,2]. Researchers suggest that medication administration errors account for ju…

Pernicious anaemia: recognition, diagnosis and management

How to spot the signs and symptoms of pernicious anaemia, the difficulties in gaining an accurate diagnosis and the importance of individualised, long-term management for patients.…