Testing citrulline to reduce pain crises in sickle cell disease

A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial of intravenous citrulline for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease

NIH-funded research Children's Research Institute · NIH-11247687

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11247687 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience frequent vaso-occlusive crises.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who do not experience vaso-occlusive crises may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Washington, 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.
Conditions acute chest syndromeaddictive disorder
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.