Novartis announced the approval of Adakveo (crizanlizumab) from the European Commission (EC), on the 30^th of October 2020. Adakveo, is the first targeted sickle cell disease therapy for the prevention of recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), or pain crises, in patients with sickle cell disease aged 16 years and older available for use in Europe. It can be given as an add-on therapy to HU/HC or as monotherapy in patients for whom HU/HC is inappropriate or inadequate. Clinical data showed that use of Adakveo led to a significant reduction in the rate of VOCs and decrease the duration of hospitalization. VOCs disrupt patients’ lives physically, socially, emotionally and can increase risk of organ damage and early death. Therefore, preventing the sudden, unpredictable and life-threatening VOCs is hugely important, said Kees Roks, Head Region Europe, Novartis Oncology, emphasizing the importance of Adakveo approval from EC. Adakveo, is now approved in 36 countries around the world including the United States and European Union member states For more information, see here.