Sickle Cell Disease Pain Analgesia and Integrative Network for Better Pain Care
Official title: Sickle Cell Disease Pain Analgesia And Integrative Network
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11397510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national network is being built to better understand and manage pain in adults with sickle cell disease using integrative, whole-health approaches.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $924,408 |
| NIH project number | 5U24AT012868-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years) with sickle cell disease experiencing acute or chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without sickle cell disease or not experiencing pain will not directly benefit from this network.
What this research studies
This project creates a collaborative, multidisciplinary platform to study sickle cell pain and develop holistic, mechanism-based approaches. It brings together scientists, clinicians, and community partners to share data and ideas, aiming to improve pain control and reduce opioid use. The network will use advanced technologies to connect research across labs, clinics, and communities and translate findings into real-world pain care. The effort centers on adults with sickle cell disease and seeks to advance non-drug and integrative strategies alongside traditional treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with sickle cell disease could experience better pain management, fewer painful crises, and improved quality of life through integrative care pathways.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing evidence that multidisciplinary, integrative approaches can improve pain outcomes in complex conditions, though this specific network is novel in its scope for SCD pain.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupta, Kalpna — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Gupta, Kalpna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sickle cell pain integrative care network
This project will build a network to create and share integrative, whole‑health approaches to help reduce pain and opioid use in adults with sickle cell disease.
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Creating a network to improve pain management in sickle cell disease
This study is all about helping people with sickle cell disease by finding better ways to understand and manage their pain, bringing together experts and community members to work on new solutions that can improve their daily lives.
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A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
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Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently 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.
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.