Spotlighting sickle cell disparities and rebranding Novo Nordisk to ‘Novo’

Episode Description

Sickle cell disease has long been a frustrating medical condition impacting a historically overlooked patient population, but now there is something of a medical miracle treatment available.

If only it were that simple.

An estimated 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects people of African descent. Roughly one in every 365 Black births in the U.S. is affected.

In recognition of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Dr. Alana Arnold, a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare executive, and Akinwole Garrett, CEO of BlackDoctor, are on the podcast to discuss the systemic changes needed to improve patient outcomes.

Editor-at-large Steve Madden helms a dual interview exploring the latest advancements in sickle cell disease treatment – namely the breakthrough CRISPR therapy Casgevy – as well as what has kept a medical miracle trapped behind systemic barriers.

Arnold and Garrett hone in on the challenges of healthcare disparities and the systemic changes needed to improve outcomes in this particular patient community.

For Trends, Madden and executive editor Jack O’Brien talk with reporter Bella Czajkowski about Novo Nordisk’s rebrand to “Novo” and how the Danish pharma giant can make the most of this moment for a cultural reset.