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Oldham Teen Returns to Thank Nurse After Pioneering CRISPR Thalassaemia Treatment

The treatment offers a route for transplant-eligible patients without a donor match.

Overview

  • Adam Rehman, 13, was among the first UK children to receive Casgevy (exa-cel) for beta-thalassaemia, according to NHS Blood and Transplant.
  • He revisited Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to thank therapeutic apheresis nurse Clair Baron for her role in his care.
  • Treated in November 2024, he has returned to school and resumed activities after years of monthly blood transfusions from infancy.
  • The one-time ex vivo procedure edits a patient’s stem cells with the Crispr tool and reinfuses them to trigger healthy red blood cell production.
  • Casgevy carries a £1.65 million list price per patient, with a confidential NHS–Vertex agreement indicating the health service pays less.