Breakthroughs Require a New Kind of Innovation

Sickle cell disease is a devastating genetic disorder that can lead to stroke, organ damage, pulmonary hypertension, and even heart failure. More than 2 million Americans carry the genetic mutation that leads to sickle cells developing in the body, and yet research for treatment of the disorder is chronically underfunded, and it receives far less attention from the media and research community than other genetic disorders. While it's unclear exactly why, some have noted that this could be yet another example of health disparities in the U.S. today, as the disorder primarily affects African Americans.