Developing new treatments to increase fetal hemoglobin for sickle cell disease

Targeted protein degraders for the treatment of b-hemoglobinopathies

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11019948

This study is working on new medications that can help increase a type of hemoglobin in your blood to better manage Sickle Cell Disease, aiming to provide a more reliable and safer treatment option than what’s currently available.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11019948 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating new small molecule drugs that can increase levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to help treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Current treatments like hydroxyurea can be inconsistent in their effectiveness, so this project aims to develop targeted protein degraders that can more reliably elevate HbF levels. By using innovative approaches, including the degradation of specific gene repressors, the research seeks to provide a safer and more effective alternative to existing therapies. Patients may benefit from improved management of their condition and reduced complications associated with SCD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease, particularly those who have not responded well to current therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of hemoglobinopathies or those who do not have Sickle Cell Disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible treatments for patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using targeted therapies to increase fetal hemoglobin levels, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.