Hydroxyurea for young children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa
Realizing Effectiveness Across Continents with Hydroxyurea(REACH): A Phase I/II Pilot Study of Hyroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia
Hydroxyurea is given to young children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa to improve health and reduce sickle-related complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11399209 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project treated infants and young children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at hospital clinics in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Uganda. Doctors started hydroxyurea and increased doses to each child's maximum tolerated dose while monitoring blood counts, side effects, clinic visits, and sickle-related events. Over 600 children received treatment with more than 3,000 patient-years of follow-up, and the teams collected safety and outcome data even during the COVID pandemic. Newborn screening was used at sites to identify affected infants for early treatment and follow-up.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (from newborns up through about 11 years of age) with confirmed sickle cell anemia who can attend regular clinic visits and blood testing at participating sites.
Not a fit: People without confirmed sickle cell anemia, adults, or children who cannot access regular monitoring and follow-up at the study clinics would likely not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower sickle-related illness and deaths and expand access to an affordable, disease-modifying treatment for children in Africa.
How similar studies have performed: Hydroxyurea has a strong record of reducing complications in children with sickle cell anemia in high-income countries, and this program is among the first large efforts to show safety and benefit across multiple sites in sub-Saharan Africa.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ware, Russell E — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ware, Russell E
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 below.