Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) has partnered with the nonprofit National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC), which is focused on improving the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). The collaboration, titled BET on Blood for SCD, aims to enhance access to blood transfusion therapy and educate healthcare providers on its benefits for patient outcomes.
This partnership emphasizes the importance of blood transfusions as a critical treatment for individuals with SCD, commonly referred to as “Sickle Cell Warriors.” These transfusions help prevent complications and treat acute crises by replacing sickled cells with healthy ones. Lakewood-based Terumo BCT is known for its products that collect, process and separate blood and cells. Utilizing these technologies, red blood cell transfusions can aid in the prevention of strokes or other organ-related complications for patients living with SCD.
SCD advocates highlight the necessity of preventing and managing painful symptoms to enhance patient outcomes. However, accessing appropriate care remains a challenge for many, as evidenced by surveillance data from California, which indicated that 24% of children and 56% of adults with SCD did not see a hematologist over a three-year period.
Dr. Julie Kanter, president of NASCC and a hematologist specializing in SCD, said, “NASCC’s goal is to ensure that every person in the U.S. living with sickle cell disease has access to a sickle cell specialist and the appropriate blood therapy. The BET on Blood for SCD partnership is critical to improving patient care and access to therapies. Together we will work to create more personalized, effective treatment strategies and improve patients’ quality of life.”
A range of disease-modifying treatments for SCD currently exists, including medication, cellular therapies and blood-based therapies such as automated red blood cell exchange, which is performed on Terumo BCT’s Spectra Optia Therapeutic Apheresis System. Joy Duemke, director of North America Commercialization at Terumo BCT, stated, “Over 94% of therapeutic apheresis procedures are performed on our devices, so Terumo BCT is uniquely positioned to drive transformative improvements in SCD patient care. We look forward to working with NASCC to improve the lives of Sickle Cell Warriors. This partnership will bring together industry, prescribers, therapeutic apheresis providers and blood centers to help increase access to blood therapies and enable better outcomes for patients.”
