A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine demonstrated that Hemopexin which is a naturally-occurring protein safely reduced the signs of sickle cell disease (SCD) crises in cell and animal models. Hemopexin scavenges free heme in the bloodstream and is found at significantly lower levels in SCD patients. In an SCD mouse model, treatment with hemopexin decreased vascular inflammation and blockages associated with vaso-occlusive crises. Researchers wrote that ‘hemopexin is a promising new candidate to treat acute vaso-occlusive crises in people living with SCD and provides a basis for clinical development for this indication’. These findings support an ongoing Phase 1 multicenter clinical trial (NCT04285827), sponsored by the therapy’s developer CSL Behring, to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of hemopexin (CSL889) in about 32 SCD adults, ages from 18 to 60. More information: Original publication.