Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home
Not recruitingRare disease

Study on the Effects of Sapablursen for Patients with Phlebotomy Dependent Polycythemia Vera

Verified siteInvestigational
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying a condition called Polycythemia Vera, which is a blood disorder where the body produces too many red blood cells. This can lead to various health issues, including the need for frequent blood removal, known as phlebotomy, to manage the condition. The trial will test a treatment called sapablursen, also known by its code name ISIS 702843. This treatment is given as an injection under the skin.

The purpose of the study is to see if sapablursen can reduce the number of times patients need phlebotomy over a specific period. Participants in the study will receive the treatment and be monitored for its effects on their condition. The study will last for a total of 37 weeks, with a focus on the last 20 weeks to assess the treatment's effectiveness. During this time, researchers will also look at how the treatment affects symptoms and overall health.

Throughout the study, various health checks will be conducted, including blood tests and heart monitoring, to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. The study aims to provide valuable information on whether sapablursen can help manage Polycythemia Vera more effectively, potentially reducing the need for frequent phlebotomy and improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

The research process

The trial runs in 6 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, eligibility is confirmed based on specific criteria related to polycythemia vera, a condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells.

    Participants must be dependent on phlebotomy, a procedure to remove blood, and meet certain diagnostic criteria.

  2. Step 2

    Treatment period

    The treatment involves the administration of sapablursen, also known as ISIS 702843, through subcutaneous injection.

    The treatment period lasts for 37 weeks, during which the frequency of phlebotomy is monitored and compared to the baseline.

  3. Step 3

    Medication administration

    The medication is administered via injection under the skin. The specific dosage and frequency are determined by the study protocol.

  4. Step 4

    Monitoring and assessments

    Throughout the study, various assessments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

    These assessments include monitoring symptoms, vital signs, and laboratory tests such as blood chemistry and thyroid function.

  5. Step 5

    End of treatment period

    At the end of the 37-week treatment period, the primary goal is to assess the reduction in the frequency of phlebotomy.

    Secondary goals include evaluating symptom changes and the proportion of patients achieving specific reductions in phlebotomy frequency.

  6. Step 6

    Treatment extension period

    An optional extension period may follow, lasting up to 73 weeks, to further evaluate the long-term effects of the treatment.

    During this period, the focus is on maintaining control of hematocrit levels, which measure the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, without the need for phlebotomy.

Who can join the trial?

6 criteria

  • You must have been diagnosed with **Polycythemia Vera**, a condition where your body makes too many red blood cells, according to the modified World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 criteria.
  • You need to be **phlebotomy dependent**, meaning you require regular blood removal to manage your condition.
  • You do not need to be on **cytoreductive therapy**, which is treatment to reduce the number of blood cells. If you have been on this therapy before, it must have been stopped at least 3 months before the study starts. If you are currently on this therapy, your dose must have been stable for at least 3 months before the study starts.
  • Both men and women can participate in the study.
  • The study includes people from certain age groups, but the specific ages are not listed here.
  • The study may include people who are considered part of a vulnerable population, which means they might need extra protection or care.

Who cannot join the trial?

7 criteria

  • Patients who have any other serious health conditions that could interfere with the study.
  • Patients who are currently participating in another clinical trial.
  • Patients who have had a recent major surgery or are planning to have surgery during the study period.
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Patients who have a history of allergic reactions to similar medications.
  • Patients who have not been diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, a condition where the body makes too many red blood cells.
  • Patients who are unable to follow the study procedures or attend the required visits.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Not recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

Sapablursen is a medication being studied for its ability to help patients with a condition called phlebotomy-dependent polycythemia vera. This condition causes the body to produce too many red blood cells, leading to the need for frequent blood removal, known as phlebotomy. The trial aims to see if sapablursen can reduce the need for these blood removal procedures over a period of time, making it easier for patients to manage their condition.

What is already known about the treatment

Sapablursen – Sapablursen is administered through injections and is currently being studied in clinical trials for its effectiveness in treating Polycythemia Vera, a condition characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells. The medication is in the experimental phase, with ongoing research to determine its safety and efficacy. It is designed to reduce the need for phlebotomy, a procedure to remove excess blood, by targeting specific molecular pathways involved in blood cell production. Sapablursen belongs to a class of drugs known as antisense oligonucleotides, which work by binding to RNA molecules and altering gene expression.

Investigated diseases

Polycythemia Vera – Polycythemia Vera is a rare blood disorder characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This excess of red blood cells thickens the blood, slowing its flow and potentially leading to complications such as blood clots. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and a ruddy complexion. Over time, the increased blood volume and viscosity can strain the heart and other organs. The disease progresses slowly, and individuals may experience periods of stability followed by symptom flare-ups. Regular monitoring and management are essential to control the condition and prevent complications.
Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IITrial ID2024-512482-14-00Protocol codeISIS702843-CS4Estimated enrolment60 patientsSponsorIonis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

Legal notice · Published by CTIN POLAND sp. z o.o., ul. rtm. Witolda Pileckiego 67/109, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland · KRS 0001111334 · REGON 528919042 · NIP 9512598637

© 2026 Clinical Trials EU – European Clinical Trials Information Network

GDPR compliance, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified (LL-C Certification)

On this site, “treatment” means an investigational medicine being studied in a clinical trial. Its safety and efficacy for the use being studied have not yet been confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator medicine, and taking part does not guarantee any health benefit. The decision to take part is made by the doctor at the research site. This site is for information only and does not replace medical advice.

This service is not affiliated with the European Commission, the EMA, or the official CTIS system. Most information comes from publicly available international clinical-trial registries, supplemented by data from academic sites, national regulators and commercial sponsors. On this site, “treatment” and “therapy” mean a medicine being tested in a clinical trial. Its safety and effectiveness in the use being studied are not yet confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator, and taking part does not guarantee a health benefit. The doctor at the research site decides who can take part. This site provides information, not medical advice. Certain content and visual elements on this website have been generated or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).