The Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) in Hyderabad recently hosted a visit from the Novartis Global team. The team included important members like Dr. Tanja Rauch, the Global Medical Operations and Governance Director from Switzerland, Dr. Barun Rai, a Senior Clinical Project Manager, and Dr. Sharmila Thoudam, the Lead Clinical Project Manager. They visited TSCS to learn more about how the Society operates and to understand the challenges they face in caring for patients with Sickle Cell Anemia.
During their visit, the Novartis team expressed admiration for the comprehensive care provided by TSCS. They were impressed by the careful documentation and the detailed research work done by the Society’s team. The visitors also explored the possibility of working together on research projects aimed at addressing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). They were particularly struck by the advanced research facilities at TSCS, which they believe hold great potential for future research.
One important topic that was discussed during the visit was the idea of collaborating on newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease. The Novartis team highlighted how crucial early intervention is in reducing the illness and death rates among those affected by the disease. This visit is seen as a significant step in possibly forming a research partnership to fight against Sickle Cell Disease.
Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, the President of TSCS, was very excited about the visit. He said, “We are deeply honored to welcome the Novartis Global team to our Society. Their interest in our work and the potential for collaboration is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. We are optimistic that this visit will pave the way for meaningful partnerships in advancing research and improving outcomes for patients with Sickle Cell Disease.”
