The UK has approved a gene therapy using the Crispr gene-editing tool to treat sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, a first in the world.
The treatment involves removing stem cells from a patient's bone marrow and using Crispr to disable the faulty gene, allowing the body to produce functioning haemoglobin.
Trials have shown promising results, with the majority of patients experiencing relief from symptoms and no longer needing blood transfusions.