Testing citrulline to reduce pain crises in sickle cell disease
Official title: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial of intravenous citrulline for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11247687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving citrulline through an IV can help people with sickle cell disease feel less pain during painful episodes and spend less time in the hospital when combined with regular pain medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $775,786 |
| NIH project number | 4R33HL167806-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience frequent vaso-occlusive crises.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who do not experience vaso-occlusive crises may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of intravenous citrulline as a potential treatment for vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The study aims to determine if adding citrulline to standard opioid therapy can reduce the severity of pain and shorten hospital stays. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either citrulline or a placebo, allowing researchers to compare the effects on pain management and opioid use. This approach focuses on improving patient outcomes while minimizing the risks associated with opioid medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for managing pain crises in sickle cell disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with nitric oxide-related therapies in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majumdar, Suvankar — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Majumdar, Suvankar
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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.