Methods of Detecting and Treating Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease

Summary Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin (Hgb S). Polymerization of Hgb S in the red blood cells distorts the cell shape causing abnormal cell function and premature cell death. The disease is chronic and life-expectancy is shortened. Individuals are most often well, but their lives are punctuated by periodic painful attacks.

The Golan Lab discovered that patients with sickle cell disease display increased sickle red blood cell adhesion to autologous lymphocytes and that the use of CD2- and CD58- reactive antibodies prevents this adhesion. The measurement of preformed conjugates (sickle red blood cells and autologous lymphocytes) can be used to detect the onset of an acute crisis.

Harvard's intellectual property portfolio includes the following patent: US 5,669,396 issued September 23, 1997.

Applications Most people with sickle cell disease have intensely painful episodes called vaso-occlusive crises. Painful crises are treated symptomatically with analgesics; but no effective treatment has been described. This technology provides a new approach in the detection and treatment of a vaso- occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease.

Inventor(s): Golan, David

Type of Offer: Licensing



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