Clinical Trials

At the University of Pittsburgh, we’re dedicated to developing new and effective therapies for sickle cell disease with the ultimate goal of finding a cure accessible to all.

Since the scientific community now has a greater understanding of the basic molecular processes and issues associated with sickle cell disease, we can devote many of our research efforts to clinical issues, such as specific treatment therapies, and developing gene-based therapeutics that will lead to a cure.

Why Are Clinical Trials Important?

Clinical research trials, typically just referred to as clinical trials, play a critical role in the advancement of medical knowledge.

By conducting clinical trials, we can:

  • Learn how a new therapeutic medicine or treatment works in humans
  • Learn which treatment strategies work well and which do not
  • Discover new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat complications of sickle cell disease
  • Get closer to discovering a cure for sickle cell disease and related hemoglobinopathies that will work for a majority of patients