~90 spots leftby Jul 2026

Arginine Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

(STArT Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+9 other locations
Claudia R. Morris | Faculty | People ...
Overseen byClaudia Morris, MD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 3
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Emory University
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)
Prior Safety Data
Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The trial of IV arginine therapy in children with Vaso-occlusive painful episodes (VOE) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is designed to further knowledge on efficacy and safety of the therapy.

Eligibility Criteria

The STArT trial is for children and young adults aged 3-21 with sickle cell disease experiencing pain episodes needing medical care. They must not have had certain treatments or hospitalizations recently, be stable without severe anemia, and able to understand English or Spanish.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
I have had severe pain from sickle cell disease treated with strong painkillers.
I am between 3 and 21 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Previous randomization in this arginine phase 3 RCT; OR
I am 18 or older but cannot make medical decisions for myself.
pregnancy; OR
+15 more

Participant Groups

This study tests IV arginine therapy versus saline (a placebo) in managing pain during vaso-occlusive episodes in sickle cell patients. It aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of arginine compared to a standard treatment.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Arginine HydrochlorideExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Arginine is a nutritional supplement in parenteral form
Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Normal saline

Arginine Hydrochloride is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:

🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as L-arginine for:
  • Nutritional supplement
  • COVID-19-related conditions
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as L-arginine for:
  • Nutritional supplement
  • COVID-19-related conditions

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Washington University/St. Louis Children's HospitalSaint Louis, MO
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at EglestonAtlanta, GA
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes SpaldingAtlanta, GA
UCSF Benioff Children's HospitalSan Francisco, CA
More Trial Locations
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Emory UniversityLead Sponsor
Claudia R. MorrisLead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)Collaborator

References