September 25, 2017 by Andrea
Photo: CreateHer Stock
A few months ago, Dr. Eric Coles -- co-owner of Xickle RBC-Plus -- sat down with Stephany of "The Dope Science Show" to discuss sickle cell disease, how natural ingredients can be used to lessen SCD crises, and what advice he'd give to aspiring scientists, among other things. And just in time for Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Dr. Coles's episode has dropped.
Currently, Dr. Coles is working with his business partner Dr. Robert Swift developing a new drug for the treatment of sickle cell. SCD-101, as it's called, is the drug formulation of the current supplement (Xickle RBC-Plus) and has completed Phase l clinical trials, published those results (Click to read the article in the Journal Blood) and is currently in Phase ll clinical trials right now. The science of this development isn't all that new, though; it's actually based on Niprisan/Nicosan -- the drug used to treat sickle cell in Nigeria that, unfortunately, is no longer on the market.
"That's kinda the sad part of the story," Dr. Coles says. Apparently, back in 2003, the Nigerian version of the FDA approved the drug in Nigeria and licensed Niprisan to a U.S.-based pharmaceutical development company for the purpose of producing the drug as an FDA-approved one. But, before the U.S. company could develop anything, it went bankrupt. Around the same time, in Nigeria, the bank foreclosed on the facilities that produced Niprisan. All those with sickle cell that were taking Niprisan could not longer get their treatment.
Soon after, Dr. Swift, decided to take on the development of Niprisan himself. He did so alone from 2009 to 2011, when Dr. Coles joined him. Together, they have improved the formulation with more anti-sickling activity and have commenced clinical trials. So far the results have been excellent.
Listen to the entire podcast below to learn even more:
Category: Clinical Trials, Research, Sickle Cell Disease Tags: sickle cell, the dope science show, Xickle | Comments Off on “The Dope Science Show” Talks Xickle for Sickle Cell Awareness Month
July 11, 2017 by Andrea
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
After more than 20 years of waiting, a new drug for the treatment of sickle cell was finally approved by the FDA on Friday (July 7, 2017), bringing the total to two (the other being Hydroxyurea). Developed by Emmaus Medical, the new drug Endari uses the amino acid L-glutamine to help reduce the occurrence of cell sickling in warriors ages 5 and older. The FDA reports that side effects for Endari include constipation, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, chest pain, back pain, coughing, and pain in the extremeties.
In a recent interview with NBC BLK, Dr. Alexis A. Thompson, head of Hematology at the Ann and Robert H. Lurrie Children's Hospital of Chicago, said, "I am hoping we are finally seeing channels opening and that this will be the first of many new drugs to hit the market [for sickle cell disease]."
And it appears Dr. Thompson's hope is indeed on its way to becoming reality. For one thing, SCD-101, our own new drug for sickle cell, is currently undergoing clinical trials. So far, the response has been highly encouraging -- the "Blood" journal has recognized SCD-101's ability to reduce cell sickling, increase exercise ability, and improve sleep and ulcer healing. And, as of yet, there have been no side-effects discovered. Even better, the supplement form of SCD-101 known as Xickle is available for use now.
Nature.com reports that a slew of other sickle cell drugs are in development now, as well, which is incredibly encouraging. Having options for sickle cell treatment is important for many reasons: Every person's body does not react to every drug in the same way and certain health insurance plans may only cover certain sickle cell drugs, just to name a couple.
This is just the beginning of a potentially huge deluge of breakthroughs and treatments for sickle cell -- treatments that can ensure that warriors of all ages receive the medicines they need to live long, healthy, happy, lives.
Category: Clinical Trials, Research Tags: endari, FDA, SCD-101, sickle cell, sickle cell drugs, Xickle | Comments Off on New Drug Approval for Sickle Cell is Just the Beginning
January 12, 2015 by Andrea
We've got some really big news coming over the next several weeks and months -- Xickle will be making major moves in 2015! Here's a sneak peek of what's coming:
For the past couple of years, we've been working toward not only raising awareness for sickle cell, but also developing Xickle RBC-Plus as an FDA-approved product and getting it ready for clinical trials. Currently, Xickle RBC-Plus is only sold as an all-natural supplement, but over the course of the next few months, we'll begin posting updates about the start of our clinical trial, as well as its progress.
During the trials, participants will be given specified doses of the "drug equivalent" of Xickle RBC-Plus. After a determined amount of time taking the drug -- and at certain intervals throughout the process -- blood will be drawn from each participant. Once drawn, that blood will then be purposefully placed under hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions to see how the red blood cells react. If the cells do not sickle, that will show that, indeed, the drug is working and the effects can now be precisely measured.
The FDA drug approval process will take 4-6 years. However, the FDA still allows us to sell Xickle RBC-Plus as a supplement with structure functions claims, but without medical claims. And we can do a lot of good during those 4-6 years. We already have many customers across the world using Xickle RBC-Plus in its supplement form and they are having positive results -- check out a few of their testimonials!
Thank you all for your continued support! And remember, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates! Happy New Year!
Category: Red blood Cell Health, Resources for Parents, Sickle Cell Disease Tags: prevent red blood cells from sickling, sickle cell disease, Xickle, Xickle RBC-Plus, Xickle RBC-Plus and sickle cell | Comments Off on Big News: Clinical Trials Starting Soon!
April 23, 2014 by Andrea
We’ve compiled a list of sickle cell bloggers you should add to your blogroll -- check it out now.
Category: Resources for Parents, Sickle Cell Disease Tags: sickle cell blogs, sickle cell warriors, Xickle | Comments Off on 4 Sickle Cell Blogs to Add to Your Reading List
March 26, 2014 by Andrea
Category: Red blood Cell Health, Resources for Parents, Sickle Cell Disease Tags: sickle cell anemia, sickle cell disease, sickle cell disease resources, Xickle | Comments Off on How Xickle® RBC-Plus Helps Prevent Cell Sickling [Infographic]
