From old to new: Repurposed drugs in the battle towards curing sickle cell disease

Abstract

This commentary discusses the therapeutic potential of drug repurposing in sickle cell disease, highlighting the efficacy of hydroxyurea in enhancing fetal haemoglobin and the work of Raz et al. discussing the potential of using memantine for improving cognitive function, while emphasizing the need for further research. Commentary on: Raz et al. Memantine treatment in sickle cell disease: A 1-year study of its effects on cognitive functions and neural processing. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:689-702.