Studies investigate new trends and treatment options for sickle cell disease patients
December 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Contact: Jane Woo
jane.woo@fleishman.com
714-702-9499
American Society of Hematology
(NEW ORLEANS, December 6, 2009) Sickle cell disease, a condition characterized by deformed and dysfunctional red blood cells, is one of the most common genetic blood disorders affecting millions of people around the world, including more than 70,000 Americans (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Facts About Sickle Cell Anemia. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/blood/sickle/sca_fact.pdf). Research presented today at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology highlights intriguing studies on the acute danger that the H1N1 pandemic presents for children with this blood disorder, evaluations of both new and standard treatments for common complications of sickle cell disease, and an expansion of the current understanding of hemoglobin expression in red blood cells that may lead to new treatments.
Sickle cell study boosts call for improved childhood immunization programs in Africa
September 10, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Children in Africa with sickle cell anaemia are dying unnecessarily from bacterial infections, suggests the largest study of its kind, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The results are published today in the journal the Lancet. The study has prompted calls for all children in Africa to receive vaccinations against the most common bacterial infections.
Researchers find new genetic target for sickle cell disease therapy
December 5, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Researchers have identified a gene that directly affects the production of a form of hemoglobin that is instrumental in modifying the severity of the inherited blood disorders sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The discovery could lead to breakthrough therapies for sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which could potentially eliminate the devastating and life-threatening complications of these diseases, such as severe pain, damage to the eyes and other organs, infections, and stroke.
Novel small molecule therapy shows benefit for anemic patients via hydration of red blood cells
February 6, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Researchers are identifying innovative therapeutics for sickle cell anemia that focus on specific factors in the disease’s progression, such as the important role of hydration of the red blood cells. According to a study prepublished online in Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology, a novel small molecule therapy called senicapoc showed efficacy in maintaining hydration of red blood cells and increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia affects about 70,000 Americans, and millions worldwide.
