Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) is collaborating with Hemex Health to improve diagnosis and treatment for millions affected by sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders. This partnership follows Terumo’s minority investment in Hemex Health and the appointment of Chetan Makam to Hemex’s Board of Directors.
The collaboration aims to enhance access to critical blood testing, particularly for identifying hemoglobin variants associated with sickle cell disease. This testing, which is currently limited in many regions, is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. “Our investment in Hemex and continued exploration of potential areas of collaboration is about meeting patients where they are, especially in communities that have long been underserved,” said Antoinette Gawin, president and CEO of Lakewood-based Terumo BCT.
Terumo and Hemex are focusing on several strategic areas, including evidence generation, digital solutions throughout the patient journey, and improving patient access through collaboration. “Knowing the treatment pathway, from diagnosis to care, is key for patients,” Makam said.
Globally, sickle cell disease affects an estimated 8.3 to 8.6 million people, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, India, the Middle East, and parts of the Mediterranean. Despite its prevalence, timely diagnosis and effective treatment remain challenging in many low-resource settings.
Hemex Health’s testing platform, already available in more than 40 countries, has conducted over 3 million tests and aims to expand further with Terumo’s support. Patti White, CEO of Portland, Ore.-basedHemex Health, emphasized the potential impact of timely testing, stating, “Access to timely Hb variant testing can change the trajectory of a patient’s life.”
