Developing new oral medications to treat Sickle Cell Disease
Official title: Rapid Development of a Lead Aromatic Aldehyde Derivative with both Oxygen Dependent and Novel, Oxygen Independent Anti-Sickling Effects: Building on a Paradigm Shift in Sickle Cell Disease Therapy
Funded at Illexcor Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-10912781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new oral medications made from natural ingredients to help people with Sickle Cell Disease by making their red blood cells healthier and reducing painful crises, and patients may get a chance to join trials to test these promising new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Illexcor Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $887,907 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL154864-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease who experience frequent pain crises or other complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of anemia or those who do not have Sickle Cell Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new class of oral medications for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) using natural compounds called aromatic aldehydes. These medications aim to stabilize hemoglobin and reduce the sickling of red blood cells, which causes painful crises and other serious complications. The research builds on previous successes with a drug called Voxelotor, seeking to overcome its limitations by identifying and testing new compounds that can further improve patient outcomes. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials as these new drugs are developed and tested for safety and efficacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Sickle Cell Disease, significantly improving the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar approaches, particularly with the FDA approval of Voxelotor, indicating a promising avenue for further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Illexcor Therapeutics, LLC
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Light, David Richard — Illexcor Therapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Light, David Richard
Related research
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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.