Using a special antibody to improve gene therapy for sickle cell disease

Development of 211Astatine-Conjugated Anti-CD45 Antibody-Based Conditioning for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy and Editing

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10687021

This study is testing a new, safer way to improve gene therapy for sickle cell disease by using a special antibody to help prepare patients' blood cells for treatment, making it easier to fix the genetic issues that cause the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10687021 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new method to enhance gene therapy for sickle cell disease by using a specific antibody conjugated with astatine. The approach aims to condition patients' hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to improve the success of gene editing techniques that can correct the genetic defects causing the disease. By potentially replacing the need for traditional conditioning methods that carry significant risks, this study seeks to provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients. The research will involve both laboratory work and clinical applications to ensure the method is viable for patient use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults with sickle cell disease who may benefit from gene therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with sickle cell disease who are not eligible for gene therapy or those with severe comorbidities may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective gene therapies for patients with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using gene editing techniques for sickle cell disease, but this specific approach is novel.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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 Hb SS diseaseHbSS diseaseHemoglobin S DiseaseHemoglobin sickle cell diseaseHemoglobin sickle cell 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.