Dubai: Scientists and experts gathered at the round table conference Pfizer conducted to understand sickle cell disease (SCD) disorder, available treatment, and the necessity to raise awareness about SCD among the GCC countries for timely medical intervention.
The roundtable discussion revolved around the key findings from the Sickle Cell Health Awareness, Perspectives, and Experiences (SHAPE) Survey conducted in several countries including GCC.
What is sickle cell disease?
SCD is an inherited condition that makes red blood cells sickle-shaped instead of round. These sickle cells can block blood flow, causing pain, fatigue, and and emotional well-being of patients and caregivers. The condition can significantly impact the lives of patients and their families.
Image Credit: Pfizer
How common is SCD in the Gulf?
A recent study showed that SCD is a significant public health concern in the Gulf countries. The percentage of people with SCD can range from 0.24% to 5.8%, depending on the country. This means that many people in the Gulf are affected by this disease.
Pfizer's survey on SCD
Pfizer surveyed 10 countries, including those in the Gulf, to understand the challenges faced by people with SCD. The survey found that:
- Fatigue, bone aches, and severe pain are common symptoms that reduce the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
- People with SCD miss an average of 3.9 school or work days per month due to their illness.
Working together to help people with SCD
Experts at the meeting, including Dr. Salam Al Kindia, professor and consultant hematologist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, and Zakareya Al Khadem, founder and chairman of Bahrain Sickle Cell Society, agreed that recent advancements in SCD research and clinical practices underscore the nation's commitment to addressing sickle cell disease.
Dr. Jaafar Al Touq, a Genetic Hematology consultant at the Hereditary Blood Disorder Center, Bahrain Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of collaboration to address disparities and improve access to care for patients.
Pfizer's commitment to SCD
Eminent healthcare professionals echoed Pfizer's commitment to tackling SCD head-on.
Pfizer has been working for over 30 years to develop treatments for rare diseases like SCD. Dr. Nadine Tarcha, from Pfizer Gulf, highlighted their ongoing collaboration with healthcare professionals and patient groups in the Gulf region. Their goal is to create a strong network of resources and information to support people with SCD and their families.
"For more than 30 years, we have worked hand in hand with rare disease communities globally to pioneer life-changing innovations," she stated. Dr. Tarcha highlighted Pfizer Gulf's ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders to establish a robust framework of patient-informed awareness and resources to address the diverse needs of the SCD community.
Treatment of SCD
Scientists at Pfizer have recently developed a medicine that can stabilize the oxygen-carrying form of hemoglobin so that it can outnumber the deoxy form that causes the sickling in red blood cells. “The idea is to shift the ratio of the two different types of hemoglobin, so patients would have less of the deoxy form to polymerize,” says Knee, a senior principal scientist in Pfizer’s Rare Disease Research Unit, based in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts.