The Cure Sickle Cell Initiative is a collaborative, patient-focused research effort designed to accelerate promising genetic therapies to cure sickle cell disease. The Initiative considers non-traditional ways to advance research and brings together the sickle cell disease (SCD) community—patients, advocates, caregivers, providers, researchers, industry, and others.

While there has been progress in treating and preventing some of the complications of sickle cell disease, many people still face significant health challenges and a diminished quality of life. Decades of basic research, as well as advancements in our understanding of genetic therapies, have laid the groundwork for the Cure Sickle Cell Initiative.

Launched in September 2018 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Initiative aims to transform the lives of individuals living with SCD by moving the most promising gene therapies safely into clinical trials. The Cure Sickle Cell Initiative is actively engaging the sickle cell disease community and exploring the scientific questions needed to safely and effectively advance potential therapies.