By Steve LackmeyerBusiness writer slackmeyer@oklahoman.comA new drug that treats sickle cell disease based on discoveries by Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Rodger McEver is now cleared to be used at hospitals and clinics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave Novartis approval Friday to produce the drug therapy, known as Adakveo, following a 52-week clinical trial showing treatment with the drug led to a significant reduction in pain crises for sickle cell patients. Adakveo is expected to be available in hospitals and clinics in coming weeks. “I’ve treated sickle cell patients, and their suffering is extreme,” said McEver, a hematologist and OMRF’s vice president of research.Read more on NewsOK.com