A new test for measuring how hemoglobin releases oxygen in sickle cell disease.
Official title: RHODA: Rapid Hemoglobin-Oxygen Dissociation Assay
Funded at Hemex Health, INC. · NIH-10830614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test that helps people with sickle cell disease check how well their blood can carry oxygen, which could lead to better treatment and care, especially in places where medical resources are limited.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hemex Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,920 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL172662-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830614 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those in regions with limited access to current diagnostic technologies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who are not affected by hemoglobin variants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid diagnostic test to measure hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The goal is to create a point-of-care device that can not only detect hemoglobin variants but also monitor therapies that improve hemoglobin's ability to release oxygen. By utilizing advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography, the study aims to enhance early diagnosis and treatment monitoring for SCD, particularly in low-resource settings. This could significantly improve patient management and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of sickle cell disease, reducing mortality and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with point-of-care diagnostic tests for hemoglobin variants, indicating a promising avenue for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Hemex Health, INC.
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galen, Peter — Hemex Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Galen, Peter
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.