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FDA approves gene therapy for children with sickle cell disease ages 2+
By Kendall Ashman at WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease among children ages 2 and older, which a Nashville doctor described as a medical milestone.
Why this matters in The Nashville
This FDA approval brings new hope to families in Nashville affected by sickle cell disease, a condition that has long required careful management and frequent medical interventions. For local pediatricians and hematologists, the gene therapy represents a significant advancement in treatment options, potentially reducing the need for blood transfusions and hospitalizations that are common for young patients with the disease. Nashville's healthcare community, with its strong network of children's hospitals and research institutions, is well-positioned to provide access to this groundbreaking therapy, which could improve the quality of life for numerous children in the area. As the medical community begins to implement this new treatment, it will be crucial to ensure equitable access to the therapy, particularly for underserved populations in Davidson County who may face barriers to receiving cutting-edge medical care.
About this story
Original reporting by WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Food and Drug Administration recently approved gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease among children ages 2 and older, which a Nashville doctor described as a medical milestone.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kendall Ashman at WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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