Old HIV drug could help bone marrow make red blood cells

NCT ID NCT07281781

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether nelfinavir, a drug originally used for HIV, can help people with myelofibrosis who have anemia (low red blood cells). The drug aims to restore iron delivery to the bone marrow. Ten adults with myelofibrosis and low hemoglobin will take nelfinavir twice daily to see if their anemia improves and if fibrosis markers decrease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Nelfinavir (an HIV drug being repurposed)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to treat anemia in myelofibrosis patients without needing blood transfusions.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase trial with only 10 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may not improve anemia or could cause side effects.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anemia myelofibrosis primary myelofibrosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MYELOFIBROSIS MYELOFIBROSIS; ANEMIA

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine
RECRUITING

Orange, California, 92868, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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