Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional

Safety and Effect of HbF Inducers in Beta Thalassemia

Official title: Safety and Efficacy of Hemoglobin F Inducers in Patients With Beta Thalassemia: a Prospective 12 Months Study

Run by Riphah International University · NCT07673302 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether a combination of thalidomide and hydroxyurea can safely raise fetal hemoglobin and reduce transfusions in people with beta thalassemia.

More Thalassemia trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexAll
Enrollment240 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 20, 2026
Main results expectedJune 19, 2027
Study endsJune 19, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT07673302 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Individuals with confirmed beta thalassemia major of any age and both genders who can provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not respond to HbF inducers or who experience unacceptable toxicity may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares two groups of beta thalassemia patients. The experimental group receives low-dose thalidomide plus hydroxyurea daily for 12 months, with monitoring for safety and efficacy. Outcomes include hemoglobin levels, number of blood transfusions, and quality of life, with adverse events recorded at each follow-up. The control group receives standard care focused on transfusion requirements. Adults and children with confirmed beta thalassemia are eligible, with exclusions including pregnancy and certain comorbid conditions. The trial is led by Riphah International University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may need fewer transfusions and have improved quality of life due to higher hemoglobin levels.

How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches using HbF inducers have shown some promise, but this specific combination and setting are less established.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Confirmed diagnosis of Beta thalassemia Major (BTM) ascertained by Hemoglobin Electrophoresis or HPLC report performed pre-transfusion or genetic testing profile (comprising PCR or HBB gene sequencing) suggestive of β-thalassemia syndrome.
* All ages and both genders will be included
* Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

* Pregnancy or unwilling to follow contraception or planning conception (Enrolled female patients will be strictly advised to avoid pregnancy during the study period and until 6 months after thalidomide withdrawal.
* Hemoglobinopathies other than beta thalassemia
* History of neurological problems
* Inability to regularly follow up

Where it's running

  • Riphah International University
    Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Fariha Sardar, MBBS, FCPS — Riphah International University, Rwp
  • Study coordinator: Fariha Sardar, MBBS, FCPS
  • Email: doc.fariha@yahoo.com
  • Phone: +923335517877

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.