Genetix Biotherapeutics is teaming up with the National Football League Alumni Association for a U.S. awareness and education drive centered on sickle cell disease (SCD).
The collab is designed to “raise greater awareness of the difficulties of living with sickle cell disease, while helping individuals, families and healthcare providers better understand available treatment options and support services,” Genetix said in a statement.
It added that “many families are unaware that FDA-approved genetic medicines” for the condition, including “one-time transformative gene therapies, are available today and have proven to dramatically transform the lives of many people impacted by the disease.”
The biopharma sells one-time gene therapy Lyfgenia for sickle cell disease, as well as Zynteglo for beta thalassemia and Skysona for early cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.
SCD encompasses a group of inherited blood disorders where abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and shaped like crescents. These cells can break down fast and block small blood vessels, leading to chronic anemia, painful episodes, and serious organ damage if left untreated. The disease heavily impacts the Black community.
“The National Football League Alumni Association is proud to partner with Genetix to widen awareness and promote education on treatment options for people with sickle cell disease,” NFL Alumni Association CEO Brad Edwards said in the release.
“Many former NFL players and their families understand firsthand the devastating impact of this disease and the importance of ensuring patients and families have knowledge and access to available treatment options,” Edwards said. “By elevating personal stories with local community engagement from current and former players, we aim to raise awareness and connect patients and families with educational resources that support actionable next steps.”
Genetix is the rebranded name of Bluebird bio. The company went back to its roots last September by renaming itself under its original moniker.
That changeup came after the drugmaker sold itself to a pair of private equity firms to go private and then install new leadership.