Fulcrum Therapeutics reported that a higher dose of pociredir raised levels of fetal hemoglobin from 7.1% to 16.9% in 12 participants, presented at ASH. The company argued the data support improved efficacy for the higher dose and bolster hopes for an oral sickle-cell disease therapy. Pociredir is designed to induce fetal hemoglobin, an alternate hemoglobin form that reduces sickling of red blood cells and improves oxygen delivery. Investigators presented these early-stage results as rationale for continuing dose-optimization and larger trials to assess clinical outcomes. Analysts noted the oral route and dose-response signal, if confirmed, could reshape treatment paradigms that currently rely heavily on transfusions, hydroxyurea, and complex cell therapies.