Understanding and treating chronic pain in sickle cell disease

Molecular Mechanism and Targeting of Chronic Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11036843

This study is looking into how sickle cell disease causes chronic pain and aims to find better ways to help manage that pain for people living with the condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11036843 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain experienced by individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). By utilizing advanced transgenic mouse models that mimic human SCD, the study will investigate how pain is linked to the disease and develop new pharmacologic treatments. The goal is to improve pain management strategies for patients suffering from this debilitating condition, which significantly impacts their quality of life. Through this research, the team hopes to uncover effective therapies that can alleviate chronic pain associated with SCD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience chronic pain.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and effective treatments for chronic pain in patients with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding pain mechanisms in sickle cell disease, but this approach aims to delve deeper into the neurobiology and epigenetics, making it a novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.