FDA Approves World’s Most Expensive Gene Therapy for Rare Disease + CDC Concerned About New COVID-19 Variant - Xtalks Life Science Podcast Ep. 79

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of bluebird bio’s Skysona for slowing the progression of neurologic dysfunction associated with the rare neurological disorder cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) in boys four to 17 years of age with early, active CALD. The one-time administered gene therapy has also taken the title of being the world’s most expensive drug at $3 million. Hear more about the treatment and how the high prices of gene therapies can be alarming, but reimbursement programs are designed to pick up the costs.

Ayesha also talked about the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant called BF.7 that the CDC is closely watching. The new strain of the coronavirus is a subvariant of the BA.5 Omicron variant. It appears to be more transmissible than other variants and subvariants and its incidence has doubled in just two weeks according to the latest CDC data. Find out more about BF.7 including how it could drive the new anticipated wave of COVID infections this fall.