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IU School of Medicine receives $3 million grant to study sickle cell treatment

By Isabel Hook

Posted January 17, 2024

testing blood sample in test tube at table

The study will test the effectiveness of Propranolol, a beta blocker typically used to treat heart problems, hemangioma, migraines and anxiety. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

There could be a new drug treatment for patients who have sickle cell disease.

According to a press release, the IU School of Medicine received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to study the potential benefits of the beta blocker.

“A beta blocker typically used to treat heart problems, hemangioma, migraines and anxiety could be a new therapeutic for patients with sickle cell disease,” the release said.

The research is being led by Associate Professor Dr. Ankit A. Desai, along with Bum-Rak Choi PhD, an associate professor from Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University.

According to the CDC, sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder. Normally, the red blood cells are round. Sickle cell mainly affects the Black community. About 1 in 13 Black children are born with the sickle cell trait.

“In someone who has SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a ‘sickle,’” said the CDC.

The CDC also stated the disease can be painful and cause “serious complications (health problems) such as infection, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.”

“The grant that we got is to better understand the use of our Propranolol and how it may attenuate, or prevent, or treat heart injury if you will,” said Desai.

The press release also reported the life expectancy for patients with sickle cell disease; “the median age of death is 43 years old.”