Using alendronate to treat osteonecrosis in adults with sickle cell disease

A Feasibility Study of Alendronate as Treatment for Osteonecrosis in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

Phase 2 Interventional University of California, Davis · NCT06016634

This study is testing if a weekly medication called alendronate can help adults with sickle cell disease who have bone pain from osteonecrosis feel better and improve their bone health.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
Trial IDNCT06016634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of oral alendronate in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who have osteonecrosis. Participants will receive a weekly dose of alendronate for 24 weeks, and their pain levels and bone health will be monitored through various assessments, including the ASCQ-Me Pain Impact scores and bone biomarkers. The study will recruit 24 adults from the University of California Davis Medical Center, with the goal of understanding how well they tolerate the medication and any improvements in their condition over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with confirmed sickle cell disease and osteonecrosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, unable to consent, or have had recent hospitalizations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease and osteonecrosis.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of sickle cell disease, similar studies have explored the use of alendronate for other conditions with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-80 years with SCD (any genotype, confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis or high performance liquid chromatography)
* Ability to provide written informed consent
* Ability to lay on a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner
* Negative urine pregnancy test for anyone of childbearing potential at study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Adults unable to consent
* Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
* Prisoners
* Hospitalizations (for any cause) within 2 weeks of study entry

Where this trial is running

Sacramento, California

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 DiseaseSickle Cell AnemiaOsteonecrosisIschemic NecrosisAvascular Necrosissickle cell diseasesickle cell anemiaosteonecrosis of the femoral head
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.