Sickle cell anaemia is an important genetic disorder in India and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Over 100 000 people are affected by this disorder and 10%-40% of the 85 million tribal population carries this gene. Conventional management and therapy with hydroxyurea provides symptomatic relief. A search for an anti-sickling agent has so far proved unsuccessful. However, improving upon existing compounds; looking for newer products using modern tools of bioinformatics, monoclonal antibody and aptamer technology; and evaluating medicines from ethno-pharmacology are promising approaches in managing this disease.
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