Birth control shot may cut sickle cell pain, new trial hopes

NCT ID NCT06665997

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether the birth control shot Depo-Provera can reduce painful sickle cell episodes in women. Sixty-five women with sickle cell disease who have frequent pain will be monitored for 3 months without the shot, then for 3 months after receiving it. Researchers will compare pain frequency and blood markers to see if the hormone helps.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to reduce painful sickle cell crises in women, using a widely available contraceptive.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. The hormone may also have side effects like weight gain or mood changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

sickle cell disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD) VASO-OCCLUSIVE PAIN EPISODE IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Emory University
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

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