Study summary

Two daily pills raised hemoglobin and one cut pain crises

Pyruvate kinase activator trials · Two phase 3 trials · Results November 2025 to 2026; filings planned

48.7%hemoglobin response with etavopivat

What was tested

Etavopivat (Novo Nordisk, HIBISCUS) and mitapivat (Agios, RISE UP), pills that activate the red-cell enzyme pyruvate kinase to make sickle cells healthier.

What they found

Etavopivat: a 48.7% hemoglobin response and 27% fewer pain crises at 24 weeks.
Mitapivat: a 40.6% hemoglobin response vs 2.9% with placebo.

What it means

Could become the first new daily pills for sickle cell in years, after voxelotor's withdrawal in 2024.

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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.