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FDA approves gene therapy for sickle cell disease in children as young as 2 years old
By Robb Coles at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a gene therapy that can eliminate complications from sickle cell disease in children as young as 2 years old, expanding access to a treatment previously limited to patients 12 and older.Rickey Buggs, 13, is among the first patients to receive the trea...
Key takeaway Rickey Buggs, 13, is among the first patients to receive the treatment at TriStar Centennial Children's Hospital in Nashville .
Why this matters in The Nashville
The FDA's approval of gene therapy for sickle cell disease in children as young as 2 years old has significant implications for Nashville's pediatric healthcare landscape. With TriStar Centennial Children's Hospital already at the forefront of this treatment, having pioneered the therapy under Dr. Haydar Frangoul's direction, local families affected by the disease can now access this life-changing treatment sooner. Early intervention is crucial in preventing long-term damage, and this expanded approval means that more children in the Nashville area can benefit from the therapy. As Dr. Frangoul noted, treating the disease early can prevent long-term complications, which is especially important given that most patients lack a compatible donor for a stem cell transplant. The local community can expect to see more young patients like Rickey Buggs receiving this treatment, potentially transforming the outlook for those born with sickle cell disease in Nashville.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Food and Drug Administration has approved a gene therapy that can eliminate complications from sickle cell disease in children as young as 2 years old, expanding access to a treatment previously limited to patients 12 and older.Rickey Buggs, 13, is among the first patients to receive the trea...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robb Coles at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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