** Shares of drugmaker Agios Pharmaceuticals AGIO.O rise 1.2% to $37.82 premarket

** Co says U.S. FDA granted priority review to experimental sickle cell disease drug mitapivat, which is being developed for an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain, anemia and organ damage

** FDA set a target decision date of Nov. 1, 2026, for the application, Agios says

** Says mitapivat could become the first oral drug in its class approved for sickle cell disease

** The application is supported by studies in patients aged 16 and older - AGIO

** Co says it is also conducting a confirmatory trial as required by the FDA

** As of last close, stock up ~37% YTD