Margarida Maia, PhD,  science writer—

Using tocilizumab off-label in four young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who developed hyperhemolysis syndrome as a complication of a blood transfusion stopped the premature destruction of red blood cells, suggesting it may be safe and effective when other options fail. While tocilizumab is not approved for…

Most Gambian children with sickle cell anemia — the most common and severe form of sickle cell disease (SCD) — have mild to moderate disease, but early diagnosis and wider access to hydroxyurea may be key to reducing complications, a study found. “The findings underscore the need for…

The first participant with sickle cell disease (SCD) has been dosed in a clinical trial of HBI-002, an experimental, low-dose, oral liquid formulation of carbon monoxide being developed by Hillhurst Biopharmaceuticals, which expects to report initial data by the end of this year. “Dosing the first subject…

A student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia is helping to develop a low-cost, light-based device to screen for stroke in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) by monitoring how well their blood flows and how much oxygen is carried to their brain. Aster Cheung is working with Paul…

A camp in North Carolina offers children living with sickle cell disease the chance to build confidence, independence, and emotional strength while connecting with others who also live with a chronic blood disease. Each summer, Camp Hope provides kids with sickle cell to learn about themselves while participating…

The first healthy volunteer has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical study of CLY-124 — a novel oral small molecule that Cellarity is developing to treat sickle cell disease — following clearance of the company’s investigational new drug application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Initiation…

Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are started on buprenorphine to ease chronic pain — either in a clinical setting or at home via telemedicine — may be able to reduce their use of opioids and visit the hospital less frequently, a small study suggests. Buprenorphine induction —…

Hydroxyurea, an approved medication to reduce the frequency of pain crises associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), may ease sleep-disordered breathing in children, perhaps by reducing inflammation, according to a study conducted at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis. “Hydroxyurea therapy was associated with improved breathing…

An ongoing, early-phase clinical trial of pociredir, an oral small molecule being developed by Fulcrum Therapeutics as a possible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), is still recruiting adult patients at locations in the U.S. and one in South Africa. This Phase 1b trial, called PIONEER (NCT05169580),…

Vascarta is launching a proof-of-concept Phase 1 clinical study to test its topical curcumin gel VAS-101 — which uses a component of turmeric — in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The experimental therapy, also known as Vascepto, is designed to be applied onto the skin. It contains curcumin,…