Introduction: Until recently, the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) for a long time has been limited to hydroxycarbamide alone. SCD is characterized by hemoglobin (Hb) polymerization, hemolysis, and ischemia. Voxelotor, a first-in-class Hb modulator that increases Hb-oxygen affinity and reduces RBC polymerization, is approved for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in SCD patients.
Areas covered: This review is to examine the evidence supporting the laboratory and clinical benefits of voxelotor in SCD. The search keywords were as follows: hemolytic anemia, SCD, voxelotor/GBT 440. A total 19 articles were reviewed. Most studies report voxelotor's significant reduction in hemolysis; however, data related to positive effects on clinical outcomes, namely Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOCs), are sparse. We note the ongoing trials that have different endpoints related to the brain, kidney, and skin. Additional information from real-life post-marketing observational studies may shed more light on the benefits of voxelotor in SCD. Further research is required with the view to using related outcomes as end points e.g. VOCs, renal impairment. This is need to be undertaken in sub Saharan Africa, the epicentre of SCD.
Expert opinion: Our recommendation remains to offer and optimize hydroxycarbamide therapy and consider voxelotor in situations with severe anemia and related sequelae affecting the brain or kidney.
Keywords: GBT440; Sickle cell disease; anemia; hemolysis; vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC); voxelotor.