Investigating alendronate therapy for bone pain in adults with sickle cell disease

A feasibility study of alendronate therapy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in adults with sickle cell disease

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10929314

This study is looking at whether the medication alendronate, usually used for osteoporosis, can help reduce bone pain and improve the quality of life for adults with sickle cell disease who have a painful condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10929314 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the use of alendronate, a medication typically used for osteoporosis, to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). ONFH is a painful condition that affects many individuals with SCD, leading to chronic pain and disability. The study aims to assess the feasibility of using alendronate to alleviate bone pain and improve quality of life for these patients. Participants will be monitored over a six-month period to evaluate their pain levels and overall health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with sickle cell disease who are experiencing osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Not a fit: Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not have osteonecrosis of the femoral head may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option to significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for adults suffering from ONFH due to sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that alendronate can be effective in treating bone pain in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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.