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WiredDec 02, 2023
Pfizer Recalls Sickle Cell Treatment
Above: Pfizer logo is seen on Pfizer World Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, United States of America, on July 6th, 2024. Image copyright: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Facts
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced Wednesday a global recall of its sickle cell anemia drug Oxbryta, citing an "imbalance" of deaths and health complications in patients.
Oxbryta, which is meant to help hemoglobin attract oxygen and prevent the damaging of red blood cells, was approved by US regulators in 2019 through a fast-tracked method based only on preliminary data.
The Spin
Narrative A
The data has shown too strong of a link between Oxbryta and patient deaths to keep this drug on the market. While drugs are supposed to make sickle cell patients better, this one has led to additional health issues, including arthritis, kidney failure, and stroke.
Narrative B
While it's understandable for a company to prioritize patient safety, this recall is devastating to the many sickle cell patients who have virtually no treatment for their disease. Between this recall and that of Crizanlizumab earlier this year, 20 years of research have gone out the window.