The first treatment for sickle cell disease in over 20 years will be rolled out to thousands of patients as part of a life-changing deal with manufacturer Novartis.

Crizanlizumab is delivered by transfusion and binds to a protein in the blood cells to prevent the restriction of blood and oxygen supply that lead to a sickle cell crisis.

People aged 16 and over who suffer from multiple vaso-occlusive crises per year will be eligible for the treatment. Final guidance will be published by NICE.