Dr. Z and Dr. C sit down with Dr. Sarah Gheuens, Chief Medical Officer and Head of R&D at Agios Pharmaceuticals, to break down one of the most frequently heard but least understood terms in the treatment conversation: FDA approval. From the phases of clinical development and the role of regulators, to the difference between traditional and accelerated approval pathways, Dr. Gheuens demystifies the science and the process in plain language. They also discuss why asking questions of physicians about their care is one of the most important things a patient can do.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. Each episode, Cheat Codes strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the Sickle Cell community.

Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Hosts Drs. Ahmar Zaidi and Mike Callaghan are Agios employees.

To commemorate World Sickle Cell Day 2026, the Cheat Codes podcast is re-releasing this powerful live episode from the 2025 National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) meeting. In this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C are joined by a powerhouse panel: Dr. Payal Desai, Dr. Seethal Jacob, Dr. Pat McGann, and Dr. Andy Ellner to unpack what truly defines great sickle cell care. It's a topic well in line with the theme of this year's World Sickle Cell Day, "Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Care."

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. With each episode, Cheat Codes strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the Sickle Cell community.

Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram.

This SCDAA Masterclass, a special episode of Cheat Codes, was recorded live at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) 2025 Annual National Convention in Chicago and explores the portrayal of sickle cell disease in the media. Panelists share personal stories and discuss the importance of authentic representation, highlighting both the challenges and progress in raising awareness. The conversation emphasizes the power of storytelling to drive advocacy, reduce stigma, and humanize the experiences of those living with sickle cell disease. Listeners will hear insights from patients, filmmakers, and advocates on how media can shape public understanding and support for the sickle cell community. We also hear opening remarks from Brian Goff, CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals.

Learn more about the Sickle Cell Disease Masterclass Series at https://scdaamasterclass.com/

To hear more episodes of Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast, please visit https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/cheat-codes