Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Agios Launches Phase 2/3 Trial, RISE UP, for Mitapivat

Agios Pharmaceuticals has launched a Phase 2/3 trial called RISE UP to test its investigational therapy mitapivat (AG-348) in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The trial (NCT05031780), which is not yet recruiting, aims to enroll about 237 people with SCD, ages 16 and older. To be…

First Patient Enrolled in GPH101 Trial Testing Potential SCD Cure

The first participant has been enrolled in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial CEDAR evaluating Graphite Bio’s investigational gene editing therapy GPH101, which is designed to directly correct the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell disease (SCD). “We are thrilled that our first patient is now enrolled in our CEDAR…

Beam Cleared to Launch Trial of BEAM-101, Gene Editing Therapy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Beam Therapeutics to start clinical testing of BEAM-101, the company’s investigational gene editing cell therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). “BEAM-101 has the potential to offer a one-time treatment for patients with sickle cell disease, and this clearance enables…

Undergrads Win NIH Award to Develop Rapid SCD Diagnostic Test

In support of its work to develop a rapid test that can be used to diagnose sickle cell disease (SCD), a team of undergraduate researchers at Lehigh University has received a $15,000 award as part of the National Institutes of Health’s Healthcare Technologies for Low-Resource Settings Prize. “I was…

Emmaus Seeks Approval of Endari in United Arab Emirates

Emmaus Life Sciences is seeking the approval of Endari (L-glutamine), an oral treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), in the the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “We look forward to working with the U.A.E Ministry of Health to bring this important medication to our patient population in the…

$10.5M NIH Grant to Fund Sickle Cell Research in Delaware

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $10.5-million grant to support several research projects seeking to improve care for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). Research will focus on children and young adults, and on combating racism and other barriers to proper healthcare. SCD disproportionately affects Black…

Sickle Cell Warriors Convention Open to Patients, Families Aug. 25-29

The Sickle Cell Consortium, a U.S.-based nonprofit, is hosting a virtual event in late August that will focus on facilitating conversations among people with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers. “We’re bringing these patients together to talk about what they’re experiencing, strategies for navigating the realities brought…

Endari Now More Accessible to Texas Medicaid Patients

Endari (L-glutamine), an approved oral treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), has now been added to the Preferred Drug List in Texas. The move will make Endari more accessible to people in the state who are insured through Medicaid, the government program that provides health insurance to low-income…