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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a debilitating, life threatening group of rare haematological disorders. Sickle cell disease is characterised by a change in the shape of red blood cells from a smooth round shape into a stiff and half-moon or “sickle” shape. 



 

The most severe and common type is known as sickle cell anaemia (SCA), affecting >70% of the SCD population.2 It results in an abnormality in haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, causing them to be misshapen.3 



 

A number of health problems may develop in people with sickle cell disease, such as attacks of pain (known as a sickle cell crisis or vaso-occlusive crisis), anaemia, infections, lung problems and stroke. Long-term pain may develop as people get older.4



 

SCD patients are projected to live ~22 years less than individuals without Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).5 The median age of sickle cell disease in Low to Middle income countries is 17 years versus High income countries 29 years.6

woman thinking

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of life-threatening, inherited red blood cell disorders and people living with sickle cell disease face significant unmet needs. With our Live Unlimited initiative, we are committed to a future where it is possible to Live Unlimited with SCD.
woman holding dog

For people living with a rare disease, the lack of awareness and treatment options can make the entire experience extremely challenging and uncertain. Though each rare disease is complex and challenging to diagnose and manage, they do share many commonalities.

1.

Piel, Frédéric B et al. “Defining global strategies to improve outcomes in sickle cell disease: a Lancet Haematology Commission.” The Lancet. Haematology vol. 10,8 (2023)

2.

Rees DC, Brousse VAM, Brewin JN. Determinants of severity in sickle cell disease. Blood Rev. 2022;56:100983.

3.

NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Sickle Cell Disease. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sickle-cell-disease [Accessed November 2024].

4.

NI Direct Government Services. Sickle cell disease (sickle cell anaemia). Available at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/sickle-celldisease-sickle-cell-anaemia [Accessed November 2024].

5.

Lubeck, Deborah et al. “Estimated Life Expectancy and Income of Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Compared With Those Without Sickle Cell Disease.” JAMA network open vol. 2,11 e1915374. 1 Nov. 2019 [Accessed November 2024]

6.

Osunkwo, I., et al. Am J Hematol, 2021. 96(4): 404-417. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajh.26063

7.

Thomson, AM, et al. Global, regional, and national prevalence and mortality burden of sickle cell disease, 2000–2021: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Haematol. 2023;10(8):e585-e599.

8.

Children with SCD had a 221-fold increase in incidence for all strokes (Reference - Kirkham FJ, Lagunju IA. Epidemiology of Stroke in Sickle Cell Disease. J Clin Med. 2021 Sep)

FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ONLY

The information contained in this site is intended for healthcare professionals only outside of the United States of America. This site is not intended to provide medical advice and/or treatment guidance. Only a physician can determine whether a specific product is correct for a particular patient. This site is not country-specific and therefore may contain information which is not applicable to your country. Novo Nordisk accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or use of this information, and disclaims any liability to update the information contained on this site. By accessing this site and materials you accept this legal notice and expressly confirm your status as a healthcare professional. Any images shown on the page are a mix of models and real patients.

 

 

HQ24SCD00002, November 2024

 

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