NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how Factor XII affects complications in sickle cell disease

Official title: Role of Factor XII in Thrombo-Inflammatory Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10859580 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called Factor XII affects sickle cell disease and its complications, like blood clots and painful crises, to see if a special treatment can help reduce these issues for people living with the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$724,727
NIH project number1R01HL173322-01
Project IDNIH-10859580 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 recurrent vaso-occlusive crises or venous thrombosis.

Less likely to help

Patients without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease or those who do not experience thrombo-inflammatory complications may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Factor XII in sickle cell disease (SCD) and how it contributes to complications such as venous thrombosis and vaso-occlusive crises. The study aims to characterize the functions of Factor XII and its impact on neutrophil activation and adhesion, which are critical in the disease's progression. By exploring the effects of an anti-FXII antibody that blocks its functions, the research seeks to identify potential new therapies that could reduce complications associated with SCD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the painful complications and organ damage associated with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting Factor XII for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pawlinski, Rafal L — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Pawlinski, Rafal L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.