๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-07-13

Tocilizumab for Acute Chest Syndrome (NCT05640271)

Low-Dose Tocilizumab for Acute Chest Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase2 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: University of Chicago

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The investigators are evaluating the role of a low dose of tocilizumab in treating acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease. Tocilizumab inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and severe cytokine release syndrome, which can be seen with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and it is also authorized for treatment of COVID-19. Since IL-6 levels are elevated in the sputum of patients with acute chest syndrome, the investigators are hopeful that this will be an effective strategy. The investigators will be looking at how a low dose of tocilizumab affects oxygen status, clinical outcomes, and laboratory markers in patients admitted to the hospital with acute chest syndrome.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Chicago โ€” Chicago, Illinois

Age range: 12 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of Chicago โ€” Chicago, Illinois

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (773) 834-6732

Email: austin.wesevich@uchicagomedicine.org

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—