Sickle cell pain integrative care network
Official title: Sickle Cell Disease Pain Analgesia And Integrative Network
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11184419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $929,890 |
| NIH project number | 5U24AT012868-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11184419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults (21+) with sickle cell disease who experience recurrent vaso‑occlusive crises or ongoing chronic pain and are interested in complementary or whole‑health approaches.
✕Less likely to help
People without sickle cell disease, children under 21, or those needing immediate emergency care for an active vaso‑occlusive crisis are unlikely to benefit directly from this network activity.
What this research studies
From your perspective, SCDPAIN will connect clinicians, scientists, technologists, and community partners to create and test integrative, whole‑health ways to ease sickle cell pain. The network will bring together clinical sites and research labs to study pain mechanisms and to pilot complementary therapies such as mind‑body practices, physical approaches, and non‑opioid pain strategies. They will use modern technology for data sharing, training, and coordinating multi‑site work, with direct input from patients and communities. Results, educational tools, and best practices will be shared widely so more patients and providers can access effective options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this network could expand non‑opioid integrative pain options and speed delivery of effective approaches to people living with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Some smaller trials of integrative therapies (like cognitive‑behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or acupuncture) have shown mixed but promising results for chronic pain, while a coordinated national network focused on sickle cell pain is a novel approach.
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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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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Sickle Cell Disease Pain Analgesia and Integrative Network for Better Pain Care
A national network is being built to better understand and manage pain in adults with sickle cell disease using integrative, whole-health approaches.
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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.