Original from: 360DX

PerkinElmer on Thursday announced it is collaborating with Novartis to expand newborn screening for sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Waltham, Massachusetts-based company and Novartis Africa Sickle Cell Disease program will increase advocacy efforts focused on the importance of newborn screening and early intervention with hydroxyurea and other treatments for sickle cell disease. PerkinElmer said that it will provide training, consultations, support, and other services to healthcare staff and lab technicians, as well as help establish new laboratory facilities to build capacity for sickle cell disease screening in countries participating in Novartis' program.

The program was launched in 2019 in Ghana. Since then, it has expanded to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia and aims to reach 10 countries in total.

Previously, PerkinElmer said in 2020 it was collaborating with the American Society of Hematology to increase newborn screening, education, and clinical interventions for sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: PerkinElmer, Novartis Collaborate on Sickle Cell Disease Screening in Sub-Saharan Africa