Effect of Etavopivat on Blood Flow in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

A Pilot Study of the Effect of Etavopivat on Cerebral Hemodynamic Response in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Phase 2 Interventional Novo Nordisk A/S · NCT05725902

This study is testing if a new medication called etavopivat can improve blood flow in the brains of children with sickle cell disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorNovo Nordisk A/S Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsChemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05725902 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the impact of etavopivat on cerebral hemodynamics in children aged 12 to 21 with sickle cell disease. It employs frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to measure cerebral blood flow, oxygen ejection fraction, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen. Participants will undergo assessments before, during, and after a 24-week treatment period. The study aims to enroll approximately 12 participants and includes a follow-up period after treatment completion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 12 to 21 with homozygous hemoglobin SS or hemoglobin S/beta0 thalassemia and low hemoglobin levels.

Not a fit: Patients requiring chronic transfusion therapy or with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve understanding and management of cerebral blood flow in children with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in evaluating hemodynamic responses in sickle cell disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Homozygous hemoglobin SS (HbSS) or hemoglobin S/beta0 thalassemia (HbS/β0 thal)
* Hemoglobin (Hb): Hb ≤ 9.0 g/dL at baseline
* Concomitant hydroxyurea (HU) therapy is allowed if the dose has been stable for at least 3 months with no anticipated need for dose adjustments during the study and no sign of hematological toxicity

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any one of the following requiring a medical facility visit within 14 days prior to signing the informed consent form:

  * Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC)
  * Acute chest syndrome (ACS)
  * Splenic sequestration
  * Dactylitis
* Requires chronic transfusion therapy
* Abnormal TCD in the last 12 months
* RBC transfusion within 60 days of screening
* Severe renal dysfunction at the Screening Visit or on chronic dialysis
* Hepatic dysfunction
* Clinically relevant cardiac or pulmonary disease- e.g., congenital heart defect, uncompensated heart failure, or any unstable cardiac condition, arrhythmic heart condition, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension
* Major surgery involving the stomach or small intestine
* Chemotherapy or radiation within the past 2 years
* History of overt clinical stroke within previous 2 years or any history of an intracranial hemorrhage
* Clinically significant bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infection currently receiving or that will require therapy
* Female who is breast feeding or pregnant

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sickle Cell Disease
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.