Measuring how long transfused red blood cells survive in sickle cell disease patients

Kinetics of Donor Red Blood Cell Survival in Sickle Cell Disease

Phase 1 Interventional Emory University · NCT04426591

This study is testing how long transfused red blood cells last in people with sickle cell disease who are getting regular blood transfusions.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04426591 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate the survival of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are undergoing chronic transfusion therapy. Participants will receive regular blood transfusions, during which a small portion of the RBCs will be labeled with biotin to track their survival over time. The study will involve follow-up visits at various intervals to measure how long these labeled RBCs remain in circulation. Additionally, an optional sub-study will explore the use of INTERCEPT RBCs to further understand their survival dynamics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with any genotype of sickle cell disease or transfusion-dependent thalassemia who have been receiving chronic transfusion therapy for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to stop chronic transfusion therapy within the next two months or those with specific antibody responses to INTERCEPT RBCs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved chronic transfusion strategies that enhance the efficacy of treatment for sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of measuring RBC survival in SCD patients is novel, previous studies have indicated variability in transfused RBC survival, suggesting that this area of research is both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hemoglobinopathy:

  * Any sickle cell disease genotype, or
  * Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT)
* Receiving CTT for ≥3 months prior to enrollment.
* For participants with past BioRBC transfusion exposure, BioRBC antibody screens must have been conducted through at least 6 months post exposure, with negative results.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anticipated cessation of CTT in the next ≤2 months
* Ongoing consumption of biotin or raw egg dietary supplements
* Antibody specific of INTERCEPT RBCs at baseline (for subjects consenting to the optional arm)
* BioRBC-specific antibodies ever detected in the past, or detected on post-enrollment screening prior to first infusion of Bio-RBC.

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations

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 DiseaseChronic transfusion therapy
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.