Hypoxic red blood cells for sickle cell anemia using the Hemanext ONE system
Official title: Efficacy of Hypoxic Red Blood Cells Processed with the Hemanext ONE® System in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
Funded at New Health Sciences, INC. · NIH-11415142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach using special low-oxygen red blood cells from the Hemanext ONE system is being tested to help adults and children with sickle cell anemia who rely on frequent transfusions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Health Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $984,232 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL178006-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with sickle cell anemia (HbSS or HbS/β0) who require chronic red cell transfusions or red cell exchange, across a range of ages including adults and children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not needing transfusions or those with conditions that preclude transfusion may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project explores a blood transfusion method that uses hypoxic red blood cells to potentially improve oxygen delivery for people with sickle cell anemia. It focuses on patients who regularly need red cell exchange or transfusions, including both adults and children, to reduce complications like iron overload and alloimmunization. The study will evaluate how these HRBC transfusions perform in real clinical settings, with careful monitoring of safety and potential benefits. If successful, this could offer an additional option to manage anemia and symptoms in sickle cell disease. Researchers at New Health Sciences, Inc. will collaborate with clinical centers to enroll participants and assess outcomes over the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better oxygen delivery and fewer transfusion-related risks, improving overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work on hypoxic red blood cells is promising but this is among the first large studies in chronically transfused sickle cell patients.
Where this research is happening
-
New Health Sciences, INC.
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Omert, Laurel — New Health Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Omert, Laurel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Hydroxyurea to help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa
A pediatric study tests hydroxyurea treatment for young children with sickle cell anemia in several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and improve health.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
A pilot study tests hydroxyurea in young children with sickle cell disease across several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and hospital visits.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Africa
A safe and feasible use of hydroxyurea for young children with sickle cell disease in several African countries to reduce illness and improve daily life.
-
Hypoxemia during Sleep in Sickle Cell Disease: How Common is It and How Might Treatments Help
This study looks at how low oxygen during sleep affects adults with sickle cell disease and how they respond to therapy across multiple urban and rural sites.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Africa
A safety and feasibility pilot study tests giving hydroxyurea to young children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce illness and death.
-
Hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in sub‑Saharan Africa
This project gives hydroxyurea to young children with sickle cell anemia in sub‑Saharan Africa to find safe dosing and reduce sickle‑related complications.
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.