Could a cheap drug transform sickle cell care for african kids?

NCT ID NCT06171217

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests the drug hydroxyurea in 811 children with sickle cell anemia across Africa. The goal is to see if it is safe and effective, and to make it more available. Children take daily doses adjusted for their weight, and doctors monitor blood counts and fetal hemoglobin levels.

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 crises and complications.

What could go wrong

This is a phase II trial, so results are still early. Hydroxyurea can cause bone marrow suppression and may not work for all children. Long-term benefits are not yet proven.

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

  • Mbale Regional Hospital

    Mbale, Uganda