Understanding how hydroxyurea helps reduce painful episodes in sickle cell disease
Official title: Identifying Mechanisms Involved in Hydroxyurea-Mediated Reduction in Vaso-occlusive Adhesive Events in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10920491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hydroxyurea, a common medicine for sickle cell disease, helps reduce painful blockages in blood flow, and it aims to find out how this medicine works so we can develop even better treatments for people with sickle cell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $151,596 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL165271-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920491 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 episodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who do not experience vaso-occlusive episodes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hydroxyurea, a common treatment for sickle cell disease, reduces painful vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) that occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow. The study focuses on the mechanisms by which hydroxyurea affects adhesion molecules on blood cells, which play a crucial role in these blockages. By examining the effects of hydroxyurea on nitric oxide levels and adhesion receptor activity, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from sickle cell disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that significantly reduce the frequency and severity of painful episodes for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that hydroxyurea can reduce vaso-occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease, indicating that exploring its mechanisms may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Jennell — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: White, Jennell
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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.