There is a great deal of research being conducted into sickle cell anemia, including clinical trials and scientific studies. Many studies focus on developing more effective treatment methods. Areas of research include:

• Gene therapy. Researchers are studying the idea that correcting the defective gene that causes sickle cell anemia and placing it into the bone marrow of people with the disease will result in production of normal hemoglobin. Additional studies are focusing on the possibility of deactivating the defective gene while reactivating the gene responsible for producing fetal hemoglobin.  
  
  
• Butyric acid. Butyric acid is a commonly used food additive. Researchers are investigating the possibility that the substance may increase the quantity of fetal hemoglobin in the blood.
  
  
• Clotrimazole. Clotrimazole is an over-the-counter drug commonly used to treat fungal infections. Researchers are studying the drug to determine if it can reduce the number of sickle cells that form by preventing the loss of water from the red blood cells.  
  
  
• Nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas that keeps the blood vessels open and reduces the adhesiveness of red blood cells. Researchers are investigating whether treatment with this gas would prevent the formation of sickle cells.
  
  
• Hydroxyurea. Although the drug has been approved for the treatment of sickle cell anemia in adults, researchers are still in the process of determining proper dosage for children.
  
  
• Blood transfusions. Repeated blood transfusions can trigger iron overload, a disorder that can cause organ damage. Researchers are trying to develop new methods of eliminating the accumulation of iron in the body.