Masaka

Researchers are investigating the effects of crizanlizumab compared to a placebo in adolescents and adults with Sickle Cell Disease who experience frequent vaso-occlusive crises VOCs. This Phase III, randomized, double-blind study involves patients aged 12 years and older who have had 4 to 12 VOCs managed by healthcare professionals in the past year. The study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of crizanlizumab with or without standard hydroxyureahydroxycarbamide therapy. Participants are randomly assigned in a 21 ratio to receive either crizanlizumab at a dose of 5 mgkg or a placebo, both given alongside standard care. The treatment is administered intravenously as a concentrate for infusion. The study is stratified by hydroxyurea use and geographical region to ensure balanced groups. The main treatment period lasts for one year. During the study, participants will attend regular visits for treatment and monitoring. Researchers will assess the number of healthcare-managed VOCs, including those treated in person or via remote consultation, and measure various other outcomes such as time to first VOC, VOC duration, antibody development to crizanlizumab, adverse events, and changes in hemoglobin levels. Safety and efficacy will be observed over two years, with detailed documentation of VOC events and other health assessments throughout participation.

Sepsis is a dangerous condition causing organ failure due to an abnormal response to infection, with high death rates in sub-Saharan Africa. This research evaluates two methods of follow-up care after hospital discharge for adults who had sepsis, aiming to reduce deaths within 90 days and improve other health outcomes. The study runs for 45 months and is conducted across multiple African countries.

Researchers are evaluating a multilevel combination intervention to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP initiation and adherence among adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 living in HIV hotspot areas in Uganda. The study addresses barriers like lack of social support, stigma, financial costs, and disclosure concerns that limit PrEP use in this population. The trial aims to examine how combining HIV risk reduction, peer support, and economic empowerment affects PrEP use and related behaviors over time. The study randomly assigns 600 participants across 30 healthcare sites into three groups one receiving five HIV risk reduction sessions focusing on HIV prevention and PrEP knowledge another receiving the same sessions plus at least eight meetings with peer supporters who share their PrEP experiences and help overcome barriers and a third group receiving these interventions plus access to a matched savings account and financial literacy sessions over 20 months. The matched savings account encourages monthly savings matched one-to-one by the study, aiming to reduce financial obstacles to PrEP access. Participants will be followed and assessed at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 months. Researchers will collect data on PrEP initiation and adherence, using surveys and monitoring of savings accounts. The study also evaluates mechanisms of change, factors influencing PrEP use, and the cost-effectiveness of the interventions. This long-term follow-up includes behavioral assessments, peer support engagement, and financial tracking to understand how these combined strategies impact HIV prevention among young women in Uganda.