Disease Focus: Alpha Thalassemia Major


In Utero Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation For The Treatment Of Fetuses With Alpha Thalassemia Major

Dr. MacKenzie and her team at UCSF are using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to treat babies in the womb who have alpha thalassemia major, a blood disorder that is almost always fatal. Current treatment requires in utero blood transfusions and monthly blood transfusions for life or a bone marrow transplant if a suitable donor is identified. In this trial, HSCs […]

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy for Alpha Thalassemia

Research Objective The objective of this research is to define the final therapeutic candidate for effective hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy to treat severe alpha thalassemia that requires life-ling transfusions Impact Severe alpha thalassemia may lead to fetal demise or a life-long need for chronic transfusions with multiple medical complications, especially iron overload from transfusions. […]

In Utero Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation For The Treatment Of Fetuses With Alpha Thalassemia Major

Therapeutic Candidate or Device Maternal bone marrow-derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. Indication Fetal alpha thalassemia major. Therapeutic Mechanism This strategy that takes advantage of existing tolerance between the mother and fetus during pregnancy, so that maternal cells can be transplanted into a fetus without conditioning or immunosuppression. Survivors of alpha thalassemia need chronic blood transfusions […]