Louisiana Achieves First Functional Cure for Sickle Cell Disease

On 22 June 2026, 23-year-old Daniel Cressy was declared functionally cured of sickle cell disease after receiving Casgevy, an FDA-approved CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing therapy, at Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

Louisiana records first curative gene therapy for sickle cell diseaseNewserMeet Daniel Cressy, the 23-Year-Old Who beat Sickle Cell Disease to Chase His Dreams

Louisiana has the nation’s highest per-capita prevalence of sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that disproportionately affects Black Americans, according to the Louisiana Department of Health and the CDC.

Meet Daniel Cressy, the 23-Year-Old Who beat Sickle Cell Disease to Chase His Dreams

Key participants include patient Daniel Cressy, Manning Family Children’s Hospital, its CEO Lucio Fragoso, Governor Jeff Landry, the FDA, and the FAA, which had previously barred Cressy from pilot certification.

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Stem cells were harvested in late 2025, edited in Scotland, returned in March 2026, infused on 18 March, followed by a month of inpatient monitoring, and a bell-ringing ceremony on 22 June 2026.

Meet Daniel Cressy, the 23-Year-Old Who beat Sickle Cell Disease to Chase His Dreams

Post-treatment hemoglobin rose above 16 g/dL, the highest level recorded for Cressy; he reports no pain crises and restored physical stamina.

Newser

The local delivery of curative gene therapy eliminates long-distance travel for Gulf-South patients and opens a path for FAA medical clearance, enabling cured individuals to pursue commercial pilot careers.

Louisiana records first curative gene therapy for sickle cell disease

Manning Family Children’s Hospital announced the cure and noted months of insurer negotiations; officials acknowledged the therapy’s high cost and “very tight rules” for eligibility, pledging broader access.

Louisiana records first curative gene therapy for sickle cell disease

Cressy described a childhood of frequent crises and limited sports, crediting the therapy for a “second chance,” higher stamina, and the ability to train for a pilot’s medical certificate.

People Magazine

Sources differ on whether stem-cell collection occurred in “late 2025” or is described only as part of a two-year process; the second FDA-approved gene therapy is unnamed.

Louisiana records first curative gene therapy for sickle cell disease

• “The answer came back [that] if I could cure my sickle cell disease either through a bone marrow transplant or through gene therapy, then I could become a pilot.” — Daniel Cressy, patient

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• “I wasn't denied gene therapy … I just had to go through extra hoops because it was new and expensive,” — Daniel Cressy, patient

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• “Curative gene therapy is restoring futures, and Daniel has paved the way for what is possible together with his care team at Manning Family Children’s.” — Lucio Fragoso, President & CEO, Manning Family Children’s Hospital

Louisiana records first curative gene therapy for sickle cell disease

• “I feel like God chose me to be the first one in the state because my story, once I do finally become a commercial pilot, is going to be inspirational for a lot of people.” — Daniel Cressy, patient

Louisiana records first curative gene therapy for sickle cell disease

• “We are dedicated to using our nonprofit and our stories to inspire and give back to the community so that everyone not only knows about sickle cell, but also so that others may be able to come out on the other side of the treatment,” — Daniel Cressy, founder, Privileged Pilots Project

People Magazine

Cressy plans to obtain a first-class medical certificate, begin commercial pilot training, and expand his Privileged Pilots Project to lower financial barriers to Casgevy for other patients.

People Magazine