Using oral nitrous oxide to relieve pain in sickle cell disease

Oral N2O Therapy in Treating Acute Vaso-Occlusive Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

NIH-funded research Hillhurst Biopharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-10699586

This study is testing a new pill form of nitrous oxide to help people with sickle cell disease manage their severe pain at home, making it easier and more convenient than the usual gas treatments given in hospitals.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHillhurst Biopharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Montrose, United States)
Project IDNIH-10699586 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new oral formulation of nitrous oxide (N2O) called HBI-201, designed to treat acute pain from vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this oral medication, which could allow patients to manage their pain at home rather than relying on inhaled gas treatments typically administered in emergency settings. By overcoming the limitations of current inhaled N2O therapies, this research seeks to provide a more accessible and controlled pain relief option for patients experiencing severe pain episodes.

Who could benefit from this research

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

Not a fit: Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or 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 convenient and effective home treatment option for managing acute pain in sickle cell disease patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with inhaled nitrous oxide for pain management, but this oral formulation represents a novel approach that has not yet been tested.

Where this research is happening

Montrose, 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.
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.