Gene-Editing, Sickle Cell Treatment , Gets UK Approval .br Regulators in the United Kingdom have br authorized the world's first gene therapy br treatment for people with sickle cell disease.br Regulators in the United Kingdom have br authorized the world's first gene therapy br treatment for people with sickle cell disease.br 'Time' reports that the decision could offer br relief for thousands of people in the U.K. br who suffer from the crippling disease.br On November 16, the Medicines and Healthcare br Regulatory Agency said it approved Casgevy, br which uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR.br The U.K. regulator approved Casgevy for the br treatment of patients over the age of 12 br with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. .br The future of life-changing br cures resides in CRISPR-basedbr (gene-editing) technology, Dr. Helen O'Neill, University College London, via 'Time'.br The use of the word ‘cure’ br in relation to sickle cell disease br or thalassemia has, up until br now, been incompatible. , Dr. Helen O'Neill, University College London, via 'Time'.br Dr. Helen O'Neill, of University College br London, called the MHRA's approval of Casgevy , “a positive moment in history.”.br 'Time' reports that sickle cell disease can block blood br flow and result in excruciating pain, organ damage, br strokes and other serious health problems.br The new treatment is currently under review by br the United States Food and Drug Administration, br which is expected to deliver a decision next month.br High costs have caused experts to express br concerns that gene therapy treatments could be br financially out of reach for most people.