Pfizer Launches Video Series to Raise Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease Amid Pipeline Challenges

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has unveiled a new educational initiative focused on sickle cell disease (SCD), despite recent setbacks in its SCD treatment pipeline. The company's UK branch has launched a two-part video series titled "Our Sickle Cell Story: It's Time to Listen," aimed at sharing the experiences of individuals living with SCD and improving public understanding of the condition.

Educational Series Highlights Patient Experiences

The first installment of the video series, released on Monday, features a 15-minute conversation between Shaniqua, a patient advocate living with SCD, and Dr. Rossby Awadzi, co-founder of the Sickle Cell Education Series platform. The discussion explores various aspects of life with SCD, including:

• Strategies for communicating about SCD to build trust and improve relationships
• Addressing societal perceptions and racial biases associated with the disease
• The importance of establishing trust between patients and healthcare providers

Shaniqua emphasized the critical nature of this trust, stating, "Healthcare professionals cannot give the best standard of care without knowing the patient, and the patient can't be free to tell the healthcare professional all of the information they need to know about them without that trust being there."

Pfizer's SCD Pipeline Challenges

The launch of this educational series comes at a time when Pfizer is facing challenges in its SCD treatment development:

• In fall 2024, Pfizer voluntarily discontinued sales of Oxbryta, its SCD treatment, citing that "the overall benefit of Oxbryta no longer outweighs the risk."
• The company continues to pursue late-stage trials of osivelotor and inclacumab for SCD treatment.
• However, one phase 3 trial of inclacumab was terminated in early 2024 due to slow recruitment.

Advancements in SCD Treatment Landscape

While Pfizer regroups its SCD efforts, the broader treatment landscape has seen significant progress:

• The FDA recently approved two gene therapies for SCD treatment: Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics' Casgevy, and bluebird bio's Lyfgenia.
• These therapies represent major advancements in SCD treatment, despite their high costs and complex administration processes.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve its approach to SCD, initiatives like Pfizer's video series aim to bridge the gap between medical advancements and public understanding, emphasizing the importance of patient experiences in shaping the future of SCD care.