Vascarta Begins NIH Clinical Study of Topical Curcumin for Sickle Cell

The study, led by Dr. Swee Lay Thein at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, evaluates a transdermal application of curcuminoids. Participants will receive escalating doses of the gel—administered twice weekly over six weeks—with an additional four-week follow-up period. Researchers plan to monitor adverse events while tracking laboratory biomarkers to assess the drug’s impact on red blood cell health and inflammatory response.

Sickle cell disease, which affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, is currently managed with supportive care and painkillers that often carry significant side effects. VAS-101 utilizes the Vasporta transdermal delivery technology to increase bioavailability, potentially offering a safer alternative to chronic opioid use. According to Vascarta’s scientific founder, Dr. Joel Friedman, the therapy specifically targets red blood cell instability and neuro-inflammation. Previous sublingual trials showed early signs of patient-centered benefits, providing the basis for this expanded investigation into higher dosing regimens.