OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its new drug to treat sickle cell disease. The therapy, known as Adakveo, is based on discoveries made by Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Rodger McEver, M.D.

FDA approval came following a 52-week clinical trial showing treatment with the drug led to a significant reduction in pain crises for sickle cell patients. Adakveo is expected to be available in hospitals and clinics in the coming weeks.

"I've treated sickle cell patients, and their suffering is...