New imaging agent to identify bone infections in sickle cell disease
Official title: [18F]fluoromannitol: A novel imaging agent to delineate osteomyelitis in sickle cell disease
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11108961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging tool to help doctors better spot a serious bone infection called osteomyelitis in people with sickle cell disease, using mice to see how well it works before it’s used in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | February 26, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $894,735 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI192221-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with sickle cell disease who are at risk for developing osteomyelitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not have a risk of osteomyelitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel imaging agent, [18F]fluoromannitol, to help diagnose osteomyelitis in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Osteomyelitis is a serious bacterial infection that can be difficult to differentiate from other complications of SCD. The study aims to create a reliable positron emission tomography (PET) imaging method that can specifically identify this infection, which is crucial for timely and effective treatment. By using a mouse model, the researchers will validate the effectiveness of this imaging agent in detecting bacterial infections associated with SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially reducing severe health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using novel imaging agents for diagnosing infections, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neumann, Kiel — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Neumann, Kiel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Fluoromannitol PET imaging to find bone infections in sickle cell disease
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A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
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Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
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Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
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How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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.