Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks enough iron to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It's the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting about 30% of people globally. Treatment typically starts with oral or intravenous iron, addressing underlying causes like heavy periods or bleeding in the digestive tract.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing newer intravenous iron formulations that work faster with fewer infusions, oral iron compounds designed to cause less nausea and constipation, and treatments for conditions that cause iron deficiency like heavy menstrual bleeding. Researchers are also studying hepcidin — a hormone that controls iron absorption — and drugs that might block it to help people absorb iron better.
Hepcidin modulators
Drugs targeting hepcidin could help people with conditions where the body produces too much of this hormone, blocking iron absorption even when iron stores are low. Several compounds are being tested in anemia related to chronic kidney disease and inflammation.
Novel iron formulations
New oral iron compounds aim to reduce the nausea and constipation that cause many people to stop taking standard iron pills. Some use different iron salts or coating technologies to improve tolerability.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on hemoglobin level, iron study results, the cause of iron deficiency, and whether someone has tried standard iron supplements.
What types of trials are currently open
- Iron formulation trials — Comparing different forms of oral or intravenous iron to see which restore iron levels faster with fewer side effects.
- Underlying cause trials — Testing treatments for conditions that cause iron deficiency, such as hormonal therapies for heavy menstrual bleeding or medications for gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Absorption studies — Testing drugs that affect how the body absorbs or uses iron, including hepcidin blockers.
- Dosing studies — Comparing different iron doses and schedules to find the most effective approach with the fewest side effects.
Recently added Iron Deficiency Anemia trials
A Phase 3 Evaluation of Sutacimig in Glanzmann Thrombasthenia
Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a serious inherited bleeding disorder. In GT, platelets, the blood cells that normally stick together at the site of an injury to stop bleeding, are unable to properly do so. As a result, bleeding does not stop as it should. Bleeding in GT often starts without warning, can happen frequently, and can be severe. It most commonly affects the nose, mouth and gums, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, and many women and girls with GT experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Over time, bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and anemia. Some bleeding episodes require emergency care, hospitalization, transfusion, or surgery, and some can be life-threatening. Sutacimig is an investigational medicine given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It is designed to help platelets work at the site of bleeding despite the underlying defect in GT. It is intended to be given regularly to help prevent bleeding (prophylaxis), rather than only to treat bleeding after it starts. The purpose of this study is to find out whether sutacimig, given as prophylaxis, reduces the number of treated bleeding episodes in people with GT compared with no prophylaxis, and to evaluate its safety and tolerability.
Iron Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children and Young Adults With Crohn's Disease
Children and young adults with Crohn's disease may develop iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which low iron levels reduce the number of healthy red blood cells. This study aims to develop and test a model to help identify which iron treatment approached are most effective for these patients. Researchers will examine laboratory results, disease activity, treatment information, and information about bacteria in the digestive tract. Participants will be followed over time, and questionnaires will assess iron supplement use and related symptoms. The findings may help guide iron treatment for children and young adults with Crohn's disease.
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