Current Therapeutic Landscape of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Nigeria: Focus on Gene Therapy

¹Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos; Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria

²Department of Biological Sciences, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: Kehinde Sowunmi, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos; Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria & Department of Biological Sciences, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, Phone: 08063533860, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: April 20, 2026

Published Date: May 22, 2026

Citation: Sowunmi K & Ogundele OE. (2026). Current Therapeutic Landscape of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Nigeria: Focus on Gene Therapy. Mathews J Case Rep. 11(3):226.

Copyrights: Sowunmi K & Ogundele OE. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) represents the most prevalent inherited haemoglobinopathy globally, with Nigeria bearing the disproportionate burden of approximately 150,000 annual births, roughly half of all infants born with the disorder worldwide. Despite the transformative potential of recently approved gene therapies, the Nigerian therapeutic landscape remains characterised by substantial infrastructure deficits, economic barriers, and ethical complexities that limit access to curative interventions. This narrative review examines the current state of SCA management in Nigeria, from conventional disease-modifying therapies to emerging gene editing technologies, while critically evaluating the feasibility of implementing advanced genetic interventions within Africa's most populous nation. We draw upon published clinical trials, real-world implementation studies, and health systems research to delineate pragmatic pathways toward equitable access to curative therapies. Our synthesis indicates that while allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers established curative potential with 90% disease-free survival in paediatric cohorts, autologous gene therapy exemplified by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated BCL11A enhancer disruption (exagamglogene autotemcel; Casgevy) and lentiviral β-globin gene addition (lovotibeglogene autotemcel; Lyfgenia) represents a paradigm shift that eliminates graft-versus-host disease risk. However, the estimated $2–3 million per-patient cost, requirement for myeloablative busulfan conditioning, and absence of local manufacturing capacity render these therapies currently inaccessible to the Nigerian population. We propose a phased implementation framework prioritising health system strengthening, local biomanufacturing development, and ethical governance structures to bridge the gap between genomic innovation and clinical reality in low- and middle-income settings.

Keywords: Sickle Cell Disease, Gene Therapy, CRISPR-Cas9, Nigeria, Health Equity, Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Foetal Haemoglobin, Hydroxyurea.