Home / Health / Louisiana Teen Cured of Sickle Cell Via Gene Therapy
Louisiana Teen Cured of Sickle Cell Via Gene Therapy
28 Oct
Summary
- Phillip Mullin, 15, is the first child in Louisiana functionally cured by LYFGENIA.
- He received the one-time gene therapy in July 2026 after qualifying for pain crises.
- Phillip now aims to become a doctor to help other sickle cell patients.
Phillip Mullin, a 15-year-old from Louisiana, has achieved a functional cure for sickle cell anemia, marking a significant milestone as the first child in the state to benefit from the gene therapy LYFGENIA. He received this groundbreaking, one-time treatment on July 13, 2026, a date that also marks his sister Paige's tenth birthday.
The customized stem cell therapy, utilizing Phillip's own cells, was administered after he qualified for treatment due to experiencing over 100 hospitalizations and 15 surgeries related to the disease. Despite a challenging recovery that included severe mucositis and the need for a feeding tube, Phillip's health improved significantly.
By October 23, 2026, over 100 days post-infusion, Phillip celebrated his recovery by ringing the bell at Manning Family Children's. This event, attended by notable figures, underscored his remarkable journey. His experience has inspired him to aspire to become a pediatric hematology-oncology doctor, aiming to support other sickle cell patients.
