Meet Victoria Gray, The First CRISPR Sickle Cell Patient

Victoria Gray has sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a genetic disease that causes red blood cells to be half moon-shaped instead of round. The sickle-shaped cells block blood vessels, slowing or stopping blood flow. This causes sudden, severe pain. Complications include organ damage, strokes, anemia, and early death. Learn about the IGI’s Sickle Cell Initiative here. 

Victoria is participating in a clinical trial for SCD. She was treated in Nashville, Tennessee in 2019, making her the first person in the United States to undergo treatment for a genetic disease using a CRISPR-based therapy. 

“They go from cells that make sickle cells to super cells — the cells that help me be better.”

NPR Correspondent Rob Stein broke the story in July 2019. You can follow him to get updates. Since then, he’s been checking in with Victoria regularly and sharing her story through NPR. We are thrilled that more than a year after treatment, Victoria is thriving! Click below to hear about her journey, or download wherever you get podcasts:

In A 1st, Doctors In U.S. Use CRISPR Tool To Treat Patient With Genetic Disorder
Morning Edition | NPR | July 29, 2019

A Patient Hopes Gene-Editing Can Help With Pain Of Sickle Cell Disease
Morning Edition | NPR | October 10, 2019

A Revolutionary Experiment To Edit Human Genes
Short Wave | NPR | November 4, 2019

Gene-Edited ‘Supercells’ Make Progress In Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
Morning Edition | NPR | November 19, 2019

A Young Mississippi Woman’s Journey Through A Pioneering Gene-Editing Experiment
All Things Considered | NPR | December 25, 2019

A Year In, 1st Patient To Get Gene Editing For Sickle Cell Disease Is Thriving
Morning Edition | NPR | June 23, 2020

1st Patients To Get CRISPR Gene-Editing Treatment Continue To Thrive
Morning Edition | NPR | December 15, 2020

Why genetic engineering experts are putting a spotlight on Victoria Gray’s case
Morning Edition | NPR | March 7, 2023

A landmark gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease moves closer to reality
Morning Edition | NPR | October 31, 2023

FDA approves first gene-editing treatment for human illness

Shots | NPR | December 8, 2023