Could a common drug ease sickle cell pain for african children?

NCT ID NCT01966731

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether hydroxyurea, a drug already used for sickle cell disease in other parts of the world, is safe and effective for children with sickle cell anemia in Africa. Children aged 1 to 10 years receive daily doses of hydroxyurea, with careful monitoring for side effects and improvements in blood counts and pain crises. The goal is to gather evidence that could make this treatment more accessible across the continent.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Hydroxyurea

What this could lead to

If successful, this could make hydroxyurea widely available for children with sickle cell anemia in Africa, reducing pain episodes and hospital visits.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase study, so the full benefits and risks are not yet known. Hydroxyurea can lower blood cell counts, requiring careful monitoring.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre Hospitalier Monkole

    Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino

    Luanda, Angola

  • KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research

    Kilifi, Kenya

  • Ministry of Health Mbale Regional Hospital

    Mbale, Uganda