Conditions: Sickle Cell Disease
Keywords: Venous thrombosis Protein disulfide isomerase Thrombo-inflammation HbS polymerization P-selectin
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 46
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
Background:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobin disorder. People with SCD have an increased chance for getting blood clots. Researchers want to see if a dietary supplement called isoquercetin can decrease levels of inflammation and blood clotting in people with SCD.

Objective:

To see how isoquercetin works in people with SCD.

Eligibility:

Adults age 18-70 years old who have SCD and are in a steady-state (have not experienced a pain crisis in the last 60 days and, if taking hydroxyurea, have not had a dose change in the past 90 days).

Design:

Participants will be screened with a physical exam, medical history, medicine review, and blood tests.

Participants will be put in 1 of 2 treatment groups. They will take 4 capsules of isoquercetin or placebo all at once, by mouth, every day for 4 weeks. They will get a pill dispenser and keep a medicine diary.

Participants may have an optional near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) test to measure how treatment affects blood flow. In this test, probes will be placed on the skin to measure tissue oxygen level and blood flow. A blood pressure cuff placed on the arm will be filled with air briefly to restrict the blood flow in the arm (for up to 5 minutes) and then released. Participants may also be asked to breathe at a certain rate or hold their breath for as long as they can during measurements.

Participants will take folic acid once a day.

Participants will have an end-of-study drug visit. They will discuss any side effects and repeat some of the screening tests. They may have an additional optional NIRS test.

About a month after the end of study drug visit, participants will be contacted by phone to see if they have any side effects. Those who do may have a follow-up visit. At this visit, they may have additional blood tests performed.

Participation will last from 8 to 12 weeks.

Detailed description:
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic hemoglobin disorder caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the beta globin subunit of adult hemoglobin (HbA) resulting in a substitution of valine for glutamic acid at position 6 and thus producing hemoglobin S (HbS). When deoxygenated, HbS polymerizes, rendering the red cell rigid, viscous, and abnormally adherent to the capillary endothelium. This impedes blood flow in the microcirculation, causing ischemia and microinfarcts that lead to painful crises, cerebrovascular stroke, renal impairment, venous blood clots, retinopathy and other end-organ damage. The current scientific literature recognizes the contribution of an acquired hypercoagulable state in SCD to vascular pathobiology, chronic organ dysfunction, and mortality.

Like cancer, SCD is associated with a hypercoagulable state and patients have a high risk of new onset and recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Elevated blood levels of the procoagulant protein tissue factor and its activator, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in patients with SCD suggest a causal role for these proteins in the development of venous blood clots. In cancer patients, inhibiting plasma PDI activity with isoquercetin (IQ) led to a significant reduction in VTE biomarkers (soluble P-selectin and D-dimer) and venous thrombosis over the short term. These findings provide support to test the hypothesis that isoquercetin treatment in sickle cell disease would diminish thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers and attenuate the hypercoagulable state.

Arms:
arm 1: Isoquercetin 1000 mg, once daily by mouth for 28 days in participants with Sickle Cell Disease. arm 2: Placebo once daily, by mouth for 28 days in participants with Sickle Cell Disease.

Interventions: intervention 1: Isoquercetin intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Isoquercetin (quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside, also referred to as isoquercitrin) is a naturally occurring monoglucoside of the most studied and widely consumed bioflavonoid, quercetin.

Isoquercetin given at 1000 mg, once daily by mouth for 28 days. intervention 2: Silicified microcrystalline cellulose NF, Ascorbic acid, Nicotinic acid, Mg stearate, Silica and Colloidal Anhydrous Ph. Eur./Colloidal Silicon dioxide USP/NF.

Placebo give at 1000 mg, once daily by mouth for 28 days.

Protocol document:
ICF_001.pdf: 
Informed Consent Cover Page for FDAAA consent posting:  
 
Official Title: A Study to Evaluate the Effects of fixed dose Flavonoid Isoquercetin on thrombo 
inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with stable Sickle Cell Disease 
 
NCT Number: NCT04514510 
 
Document Date: 12/07/2021 


PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 1 of 13
CC ICF template v. 09.27.19
MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:  Arun Shet, MD, PhD
STUDY TITLE: A Study to Evaluate the Effects of fixed dose Flavonoid Isoquercetin on 
thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with stable Sickle Cell Disease
STUDY SITE:
NIH Clinical Trial Center
Cohort: Affected patient 
Consent Version:   October 27, 2021
WHO DO YOU CONTACT ABOUT THIS STUDY? 
PI: Arun Shet, M.D., Building 10-CRC, Room 6N240B, Telephone:  301-827-6808 email : 
arun.shet@nih.gov
Coordinator: Ingrid Frey, RN; Building 10-CRC, Room 5-1424 Telephone: 301-402-6674; E-mail: 
ingrid.frey@nih.gov
KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RESEARCH 
This consent form describes a research study and is designed to help you decide if you would 
like to be a part of the research study.  
You are being asked to take part in a research study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 
This section provides the information we believe is most helpful and important to you in making 
your decision about participating in this study. Additional information that may help you make 
a decision can be found in other sections of the document. Taking part in research at the NIH is 
your choice.
You are being invited participate in this study because you have sickle cell disease (SCD). 
Patients with SCD have an increased chance for developing blood clots. The purpose of this 
research is to study the effects of a dietary supplement, Isoquercetin in patients with sickle cell 
disease, and see if there is an association between taking this supplement and a decrease in the 
levels of inflammation and clotting in your blood. Isoquercetin is considered investigational, 
which means that it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to 
treat SCD.  However, the FDA has given us permission to use Isoquercetin in this study. 
In this study, you will be assigned to 1 of 2 groups to receive either the study supplement 
(Isoquercetin), or a placebo (sugar pill). Neither you or the study team will know which group 
you are assigned to. This process is called randomization, and is similar to the flip of a coin. We 
will ask you to take Isoquercetin or placebo capsules by mouth every day for 4 weeks. We will 
collect blood and look for specific changes in inflammation and blood clotting. We are looking 
for a relationship between taking the supplement and a decrease in levels of inflammation and 
clotting. 
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
You are invited to take part in this study because you have sickle cell disease, are in your usual 
state of health, i.e., “steady-state” and have not experienced a pain crisis within the last 60 days. 
If you are taking hydroxyurea, your dose has not changed within the past 90 days.  
Your participation in the study may last up to 12 weeks. Your initial visit will determine if you 
are eligible to participate in the study. At this visit you will have blood work, we will review 
your medical history and medications, and have a physical exam. Once we determine that you 
are eligible, we will ask you to participate in 2 study visits over a 4-week period. We may ask 
you to return for an additional visit at the end of the study if you experience any side effects.
The general risks associated with this study pertain to the dietary supplement, Isoquercetin and 
having a blood draw. Isoquercetin is very similar to quercetin which is a naturally occurring 
substance in fruits and vegetables, especially apples and onions.  Isoquercetin, has been used in 
clinical trials with minimal side effects in patients; we will discuss these side effects further in 
this consent document. The risks associated with the blood draws are minimal and involve pain, 
mild bruising, and possible infection at the site where the blood is taken.
You will be compensated for your time and inconvenience for participating in this research 
study. 
You can discuss this study with your doctor to see if there are other alternative studies that you 
can participate in if you decide not to participate in this one. 
You may or may not benefit from being in this study. If you are assigned to receive Isoquercetin, 
your risks of developing a blood clot while in the study may be reduced. Also, taking part in this 
study could help others in the future. 
The remaining document will now describe more about the research study.  This information 
should be considered before you make your choice. Members of the study team will talk with you 
about the information described in this document. Some people have personal, religious, or ethical 
beliefs that may limit the kinds of medical or research treatments they would want to receive (such 
as blood transfusions). Take the time needed to ask any questions and discuss this study with NIH 
staff, and with your family, friends, and personal health care providers.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO TAKE PART IN THE STUDY
You may choose not to take part in this study for any reason. If you join this study, you may change 
your mind and stop participating in the study at any time and for any reason. In either case, you 
will not lose any benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. However, to be seen at the NIH, you 
must be taking part in a study or are being considered for a study. If you do choose to leave the 
study, please inform your study team to ensure a safe withdrawal from the research.  
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 3 of 13
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE?
This is a research study. The purpose of this research study is to see how the dietary supplement 
Isoquercertin works in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). We are looking for a relationship 
between the supplement and a decrease in levels of inflammation and clotting. 
We are asking you to join this research study because you have SCD, are in your usual state of 
health, i.e., “steady-state” and have not experienced an acute pain crisis in the last 60 days and if 
you are taking hydroxyurea, you have not changed your dose within the past 90 days.
Isoquercetin is considered investigational, which means that it has not been approved by the U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat SCD. This is why we are doing this research study; 
we want to see if there is a relationship between taking the supplement and a reduction in blood 
markers of inflammation and clotting in patients with SCD. 
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE STUDY?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to come to the Clinical Center for 3 visits. 
Each visit will last about 2-3 hours.
•
Visit #1: This is the Screening Visit where we will determine your eligibility to participate 
in this study. We will ask you to sign this consent document prior to any tests or procedures. 
This visit consists of reviewing your medical history, performing a physical exam, and 
blood work. If you are found to be a good fit for the study, meaning you are eligible, then 
we will invite you to participate in the visits listed below. If we find you are not eligible 
for this particular study, or you do not want to participate, your involvement will end with 
this visit. 
•
Visit #2: This is the Baseline Visit. If you are in a “steady state”, meaning you have not 
had a pain crisis in the last 60 days and if treated with hydroxyurea, have not changed the 
dose in the last 90 days, you will have the following tests and procedures: clinical and 
research blood work, physical exam, and a review of your medications. We will ask you to 
participate in a peripheral arterial tonometry (Endo-Pat) exam and/or a near infrared 
spectroscopy (NIRS) oximetry measurement, however these tests are optional. At this visit, 
we will also “randomize” you to 1 of 2 treatment groups to receive Isoquercetin, or placebo 
(a sugar pill that has no active ingredient). Neither you nor the study team will know your 
group assignment. 
Taking the study supplement: You will take 4 capsules of 250 mg Isoquercetin or placebo 
all at once, by mouth every day for 4 weeks. This is about 1000 mg of Isoquercetin or 
placebo. The study supplement will be administered by a pill dispenser, which we will 
provide, that will help you remember to take the pills each day. You should take the 
capsules whole, with or without food. The capsules should be taken at a fixed time in the 
morning (e.g. 9:00AM) or at a time that is convenient for you. You can take them when 
you take your other medications, if you would like and if it helps you to remember to take 
the study supplement. If you miss a dose and it is more than 6 hours before the next dose 
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 4 of 13
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
is due, then the dose can be taken. If a dose is missed and it is less than 6 hours before the 
dose is due, then the dose should be skipped.  
We will provide you with a diary to record when you take the study supplement. While in 
the study, please try to maintain your current diet and activity level and not start any new 
diets or exercise programs. We will also ask you to not make any changes to your  
treatments for your SCD while you are in the study.  
It is recommended that you take at least 1 mg of folic acid once a day while taking the 
study supplement. If you are not already taking folic acid a 30-day supply of 1 mg of folic 
acid will be prescribed for you to be taken once day.  
•
Visit #3: This is the End of Study Visit. At this visit we will perform the following: review 
any side effects you had while taking the study supplement, perform a physical exam, 
review medications, and collect blood for clinical and research labs. We will ask you to 
participate in a peripheral arterial tonometry (Endo-Pat) exam and or a near infrared 
spectroscopy (NIRS) test, however this test is optional. At this visit, you will return the pill 
dispenser with unused study supplement and the supplement diary.  
•
24-hour Dietary Recall:  You will be asked to complete three interviews with nutrition staff 
to collect information on what you ate and drank on the previous day.  Interviews will be 
in person or conducted via telehealth and last for approximately 20-30 minutes. These 
interviews will be conducted at the Screening Visit, Baseline Visit and End Of Study Visit.   
•
Phone Call: About a month after your last study visit, a study team member will contact 
you to see if you are having any new or residual side effects from taking the study 
supplement. After the study is over, if you experienced any side effects, you may be invited 
for a follow up visit to the Clinical Center. At this visit you we will review your symptoms 
and may do blood tests, if needed.
•
Extra Visits: If you are having side effects while you are taking the study supplement or 
symptoms from your SCD, we may ask that you return to the Clinical Center for an 
evaluation and possibly clinical blood work. 
Optional Procedures under this study:
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) (ENDO-PAT 2000, Itamar Medical): 
ENDO-PAT will be performed at study visits 1& 2. It is an FDA-approved noninvasive 
technology that captures a beat-to-beat  recording of the fluctuations in the amount of blood 
of the finger arterial pulse wave activity with a type of probes.  
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS): Will be performed at study visits 1& 2. In this test, 
probes will be placed on your skin to measure oxygen levels, blood flow, and the make-up 
of your skin and muscle. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. The cuff will 
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 5 of 13
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
be filled with air to briefly restrict the blood flow (for up to 5 minutes) in your arm and 
then released. You may also be asked to breathe at a certain rate or hold your breath for as 
long as you can during periodic measurements.
HOW LONG WILL THE STUDY TAKE?
If you agree to take part in this study, your involvement is expected to last from 8 to 12 weeks. 
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY?
We plan to have up to 46 people participating in this study. 
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS OF BEING IN THE STUDY?
Isoqucertin Related Risks
The most common side-effects from this supplement are nausea, acid reflux, constipation, 
diarrhea and rare reports of headache and mild tingling of the hands and feet. The study 
supplement might have a caffeine-like effect.
Blood collection: 
There may be some discomfort on your arm when we collect your blood with a needle. There is 
a small chance that you will get a bruise, feel lightheaded, faint, or have an infection at the place 
where the needle was inserted. The amount of blood to be collected for the study is less than 6 
tablespoons. 
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (optional): 
This non-invasive test will examine the function and reaction of your blood vessels. A thimble-
shaped cup will be placed on your finger that will place slight pressure on your finger and measure 
its blood flow. Simultaneously, a blood pressure cuff placed on your arm will be inflated to 
measure the effects on blood flow. 
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) (optional): 
You may experience temporary discomfort related to the cuff squeezing, where we place probes, 
and from holding your breath.
What are the risks related to pregnancy? 
If you are capable of becoming pregnant, we will ask you to have a pregnancy test before beginning 
this study. You must use effective birth control methods and try not to become pregnant while 
participating in this study. We do not know if Isoqurecetin causes any risks to a fetus or unborn 
child. If you become pregnant, there may be unknown risks to the fetus or unborn child, or risks 
that we did not anticipate. There may be long-term effects of the treatment being studied that could 
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 6 of 13
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
increase the risk of harm to a fetus. You must tell the study doctor if your birth control method 
fails while you are in the study. If you think or know you have become pregnant while participating 
in this research study, please contact the research team member identified at the top of this 
document as soon as possible. If you or your partner plan to become pregnant in the future, please 
wait at least 4 weeks after completing the course of this study supplement .
If you are a sexually active person with a partner capable of becoming pregnant, it is important 
that your partner not become pregnant during your participation in this study. There may be 
unknown risks to a fetus or risks we did not anticipate. You and your partner must agree to use 
birth control if you want to take part in this study. If you think your partner has become pregnant 
during your participation in this study, please contact the research team member identified at the 
top of this document as soon as possible.  If you and your partner plan for your partner to become 
pregnant after your participation in this study, please discuss this with the study team.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN THE STUDY?
You may or may not benefit from being in this study The main purpose of the study is to see if 
patients with SCD who take Isoqurecetin have a decrease in inflammation and clotting factors in 
their blood. If you are assigned to receive Isoquercetin, your risks of developing a blood clot while 
in the study may be reduced. 
Are there any potential benefits to others that might result from the study?
Patients with SCD have an increased chance for developing blood clots. This study might help us 
learn if Isoqurecetin can help reduce inflammation and clotting markers in the blood of patients 
with SCD. More information is needed, including clinical trials to help prove if Isoqurecetin can 
actually help prevent blood clots in people with SCD. 
 
WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR YOU?
You do not have to participate in this study if you do not want to. You may withdraw from this 
study at any time. If you decide to withdraw from the study, we would like to keep your test 
results to properly analyze this research study. If you have concerns about this, please speak with 
members of your research team.
If you decide not to participate in this research study, other treatments or medications may be 
available for the treatment of SCD. There may also be other clinical research studies in which 
you may choose to participate. You may discuss these alternatives with your doctor and decide 
whether to participate in this study.  
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
New information about the study
If we find out any new information that may affect your choice to participate in this study, we 
will get in touch with you to explain what we have learned. This may be information we have 
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
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CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
learned while doing this study here at the NIH or information we have learned from other 
scientists doing similar research in other places.
Return of research results
You will be provided with the results of the standard clinical labs, but the results of our research 
studies will not be provided to you or your referring doctor.  
EARLY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE STUDY 
Discontinuing Participation:
-
If you decide to stop participating in this study, you may request this by either informing the 
investigators or by writing to the research team to the address at the end of this consent 
(under Problems and Questions on last page of consent). You will not be asked for further 
information or samples.
-
If we are unable to contact you or reach you.
-
When the study has completed.
Discontinuing Treatment (You can still be part of the study and will be followed until end of 
study):
-
If you experience specific sickle cell disease-related complications and/or you need a blood 
transfusion, you may be asked to discontinue treatment.
-
If the study supplement affects the safety of your health or if the study doctor decides that it 
is in your best interest for you to be off the supplement.
-
Pregnancy or unwillingness to use acceptable forms of contraception.
Research Subject’s Rights: You are free to refuse to undergo any of these tests. You may withdraw 
from the study at any time. If you decide to participate and later change your mind, you are free to 
stop participation at any time. You will not be penalized or lose benefits to which you are otherwise 
entitled. Refusal to participate will not affect your legal rights or the quality of health care that you 
may receive at this center.
Explanation of Conditions for Early Withdrawal: If new previously undisclosed information 
emerges during the study that would exclude you from the study, the investigators looking after 
you will discuss these with you.
STORAGE, SHARING AND FUTURE RESEARCH USING YOUR SPECIMENS AND 
DATA
Will your specimens or data be saved for use in other research studies?
As part of this study, we are obtaining specimens and data from you. We will remove all the 
identifiers, such as your name, date of birth, address, or medical record number and label your 
specimens and data with a code so that you cannot easily be identified. However, the code will be 
linked through a key to information that can identify you.. We plan to store and use these 
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
specimens and data for studies other than the ones described in this consent form that are going on 
right now, as well as studies that may be conducted in the future. These studies may provide 
additional information that will be helpful in understanding sickle cell disease or other diseases or 
conditions. This could include studies to develop other research tests, treatments, drugs, or devices, 
that may lead to development of a commercial product by the NIH and/or its research or 
commercial partners. There are no plans to provide financial compensation to you if this happens. 
Also, it is unlikely that we will learn anything from these studies that may directly benefit you. 
I give permission for my coded specimens and data to be stored and used for future research as 
described above.
_____ Yes
_____ No
Initials
Initials
Will your specimens or data be shared for use in other research studies?
We may share your coded specimens and data with other researchers.  If we do, while we will 
maintain the code key, we will not share it, so the other researchers will not be able to identify 
you.  They may be doing research in areas similar to this research or in other unrelated areas. 
These researchers may be at NIH, other research centers and institutions, or commercial entities.
I give permission for my coded specimens and data to be shared with other researchers and used 
by these researchers for future research as described above.
_____ Yes 
_____ No
Initials
Initials
If you change your mind and do not want us to store and use your specimens and data for future 
research, you should contact the research team member identified at the top of this document. 
We will do our best to comply with your request but cannot guarantee that we will always be 
able to destroy your specimens and data. For example, if some research with your specimens and 
data has already been completed, the information from that research may still be used. Also, for 
example, if the specimens and data have been shared already with other researchers, it might not 
be possible to withdraw them. 
In addition to the planned use and sharing described above, we might remove all identifiers and 
codes from your specimens and data and use or share them with other researchers for future 
research at the NIH or other places.  When we or the other researchers access your anonymized 
data, there will be no way to link the specimens or data back to you.  We will not contact you to 
ask your permission or otherwise inform you before we do this.  We might do this even if you 
answered "no" to the above questions.  If we do this, we would not be able to remove your 
specimens or data to prevent their use in future research studies, even if you asked, because we 
will not be able to tell which are your specimens or data.
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NIH-2977 (4-17)
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MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
NIH policies require that your clinical and other study data be placed in an internal NIH database 
that is accessible to other NIH researchers for future research. These researchers will not have 
access to any of your identifiers, such as your name, date of birth, address, or medical record 
number; and your data will be labeled with only a code. We cannot offer you a choice of whether 
your data to be placed in this database or not.  If you do not wish to have your data placed in this 
database, you should not enroll in this study.  
How long will your specimens and data be stored by the NIH?
Your specimens and data may be stored by the NIH indefinitely. 
Risks of storage and sharing of specimens and data
When we store your specimens and data, we take precautions to protect your information from 
others that should not have access to it. When we share your specimens and data, we will do 
everything we can to protect your identity, for example, when appropriate, we remove information 
that can identify you. Even with the safeguards we put in place, we cannot guarantee that your 
identity will never become known or someone may gain unauthorized access to your information. 
New methods may be created in the future that could make it possible to re-identify your specimens 
and data.
COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT, AND PAYMENT
Will you receive compensation for participation in the study?
Some NIH Clinical Center studies offer compensation for participation in research. The amount 
of compensation, if any, is guided by NIH policies and guidelines.
Procedures
Compensation per 
procedure
Frequency
Total 
Compensation
Outpatient visit
$50
3
$150
Medical history and physical examination
$35
3
$105
Research blood draw
$60
2
$120
Labs
$50
2
$100
ENDO-PAT (optional )
$50
2
$100
NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy (optional)
$50
2
$100
24-hour Dietary Recall
$15
3
$45
End of study phone call
$10
1
$10
Complete all study procedures 
$200
1
$200
Total Study Compensation
$930
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 10 of 13
CC ICF template v. 09.27.19
MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
NIH required language when compensation is given: 
If you are unable to finish the study, you will receive payment for the parts you completed.  
With few exceptions, study compensation is considered taxable income that is reportable to the 
Internal Review Service (IRS). A “Form 1099-Other Income” will be sent to you if your total 
payments for research participation are $600 or more in a calendar year. If you have unpaid debt 
to the federal government, please be aware that some or all of your compensation may be 
automatically reduced to repay that debt on your behalf.
Will you receive reimbursement or direct payment by NIH as part of your participation?
Some NIH Clinical Center studies offer reimbursement or payment for travel, lodging or meals 
while participating in the research. The amount, if any, is guided by NIH policies and guidelines.
You will receive reimbursement for travel in this study.
Will taking part in this research study cost you anything? 
NIH does not bill health insurance companies or participants for any research or related clinical 
care that you receive at the NIH Clinical Center. 
•
You will receive study treatment at no charge to you. This may include surgery, 
medicines, laboratory testing, x-rays or scans done at the Clinical Center, National Institutes of 
Health (NIH), or arranged for you by the research team to be done outside the Clinical Center, 
NIH if the study related treatment is not available at the NIH. 
•
There are limited funds available to cover the cost of some tests and procedures 
performed outside the Clinical Center, NIH.  You may have to pay for these costs if they are not 
covered by your insurance company.
•
Medicines that are not part of the study treatment will not be provided or paid for by the 
Clinical Center, NIH.
•
Once you have completed taking part in the study, medical care will no longer be 
provided by the Clinical Center, NIH.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST (COI) 
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reviews NIH staff researchers at least yearly for conflicts 
of interest.  This process is detailed in a COI Guide.  You may ask your research team for a copy 
of the COI Guide or for more information.  Members of the research team who do not work for 
NIH are expected to follow these guidelines or the guidelines of their home institution, but they 
do not need to report their personal finances to the NIH.
Quercis Pharma AG is providing Isoquercetin for this study to NIH without charge. No NIH 
employee involved in this study receives any payment or other benefits from Quercis Pharma AG.
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 11 of 13
CC ICF template v. 09.27.19
MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION AND RESULTS REPORTING 
A description of this clinical trial will be available on http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, as required 
by U.S. Law. This Web site will not include information that can identify you. At most, the Web 
site will include a summary of the results. You can search this Web site at any time.
CONFIDENTIALITY PROTECTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS STUDY  
When results of an NIH research study are reported in medical journals or at scientific meetings, 
the people who take part are not named and identified. In most cases, the NIH will not release any 
information about your research involvement without your written permission. However, if you 
sign a release of information form, for example, for an insurance company, the NIH will give the 
insurance company information from your medical record. This information might affect (either 
favorably or unfavorably) the willingness of the insurance company to sell you insurance.
Will your medical information be kept private? 
We will do our best to make sure that the personal information in your medical record will be kept 
private.  However, we cannot guarantee total privacy.  Organizations that may look at and/or copy 
your medical records for research, quality assurance, and data analysis include:
•
The NIH and other government agencies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 
which are involved in keeping research safe for people.
•
National Institutes of Health Intramural Institutional Review Board
•
The study Sponsor (NHLBI) or their agent(s) 
•
Qualified representatives from Querces AG, the pharmaceutical company who produces 
Isoquercetin.
The researchers conducting this study and the NIH follow applicable laws and policies to keep 
your identifying information private to the extent possible.  However, there is always a chance 
that, despite our best efforts, your identity and/or information about your participation in this 
research may be inadvertently released or improperly accessed by unauthorized persons.
In most cases, the NIH will not release any identifiable information collected about you without 
your written permission.  However, your information may be shared as described in the section of 
this document on sharing of specimens and data, and as further outlined in the following sections.  
Further, the information collected for this study is protected by NIH under a Certificate of 
Confidentiality and the Privacy Act. 
Certificate of Confidentiality
To help us protect your privacy, the NIH Intramural Program has received a Certificate of 
Confidentiality (Certificate). With this certificate, researchers may not release or use data or 
information about you except in certain circumstances.  
NIH researchers must not share information that may identify you in any federal, state, or local 
civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings, for example, if requested by a 
court.  
The Certificate does not protect your information when it:  
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 12 of 13
CC ICF template v. 09.27.19
MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
1. is disclosed to people connected with the research, for example, information may be used 
for auditing or program evaluation internally by the NIH; or 
2. is required to be disclosed by Federal, State, or local laws, for example, when information 
must be disclosed to meet the legal requirements of the federal Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA); 
3. is for other research;
4. is disclosed with your consent. 
The Certificate does not prevent you from voluntarily releasing information about yourself or your 
involvement in this research. 
The Certificate will not be used to prevent disclosure to state or local authorities of harm to self or 
others including, for example, child abuse and neglect, and by signing below you consent to those 
disclosures. Other permissions for release may be made by signing NIH forms, such as the Notice 
and Acknowledgement of Information Practices consent.
Privacy Act
The Federal Privacy Act generally protects the confidentiality of your NIH medical information 
that we collect under the authority of the Public Health Service Act.  In some cases, the Privacy 
Act protections differ from the Certificate of Confidentiality.  For example, sometimes the Privacy 
Act allows release of information from your record without your permission, for example, if it is 
requested by Congress. Information may also be released for certain research purposes with due 
consideration and protection, to those engaged by the agency for research purposes, to certain 
federal and state agencies, for HIV partner notification, for infectious disease or abuse or neglect 
reporting,  to tumor registries, for quality assessment and medical audits, or when the NIH is 
involved in a lawsuit.  However, NIH will only release information from your medical record if it 
is permitted by both the Certificate of Confidentiality and the Privacy Act.
POLICY REGARDING RESEARCH-RELATED INJURIES  
The NIH Clinical Center will provide short-term medical care for any injury resulting from your 
participation in research here. In general, no long-term medical care or financial compensation for 
research-related injuries will be provided by the NIH, the NIH Clinical Center, or the Federal 
Government. However, you have the right to pursue legal remedy if you believe that your injury 
justifies such action.
PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS
If you have any problems or questions about this study, or about your rights as a research 
participant, or about any research-related injury, contact the Principal Investigator, Arun Shet, 
M.D., at 301-827-6808 or: arun.shet@nih.gov. Or the research nurse,  Ingrid Frey, RN at 301-402-
6674. You may also call the NIH Clinical Center Patient Representative at 301-496-2626, or the 
NIH Office of IRB Operations at 301-402-3713, if you have a research-related complaint or 
concern.
CONSENT DOCUMENT 
Please keep a copy of this document in case you want to read it again.
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PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Consent to Participate in a Clinical Research Study
NIH-2977 (4-17)
File in Section 4: Protocol Consent # 1
Version Date: 10/27/2021
Page 13 of 13
CC ICF template v. 09.27.19
MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN NIH CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
Adult Research Participant: I have read the explanation about this study and have been given the opportunity 
to discuss it and to ask questions. I consent to participate in this study.
Signature of Research Participant
Print Name of Research Participant
Date
Investigator:
Signature of Investigator
Print Name of Investigator
Date
Witness should sign below if either:
1. A short form consent process has been used to enroll a non-English speaking subject or
2. An oral presentation of the full consent has been used to enroll a blind or illiterate subject
Signature of Witness
Print Name of Witness
Date
*NIH ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION TO BE COMPLETED REGARDING THE USE OF AN 
INTERPRETER:
An interpreter, or other individual, who speaks English and the participant’s preferred language facilitated
the administration of informed consent and served as a witness. The investigator obtaining consent may not 
also serve as the witness.
An interpreter, or other individual, who speaks English and the participant’s preferred language facilitated
the administration of informed consent but did not serve as a witness. The name or ID code of the person 
providing interpretive support is:
.
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Prot_002.pdf: 
 
 Protocol with Statistical Analysis Plan Cover Page:   
 
Official Title: 
A Study to Evaluate the Effects of fixed dose Flavonoid Isoquercetin on 
thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with stable Sickle Cell Disease 
NCT number: 
 
NCT04514510 
Document Type:  
Protocol  
Document Date: 
05/05/2023 
 
 


1 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Protocol: 20H0137 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Title: A Study to Evaluate the Effects of fixed dose Flavonoid Isoquercetin on thrombo-
inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with stable Sickle Cell Disease 
 
NIH Principal Investigator: Arun S. Shet, MD, Ph.D. 
Sickle Cell Branch, NHLBI 
Building 10-CRC, Rm 6N240B 
10 Center Dr, 
Bethesda, MD 20892 
Phone: 301-827-6808 
E-mail: arun.shet@nih.gov 
 
Investigational Agents: 
Drug Name: 
Isoquercetin 
IND Number: 
150896 
Sponsor: 
NHLBI 
Manufacturer: 
Querces AG 
 
 
 
 


2 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................ 2 
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE ................................................................................................ 6 
1 
PROTOCOL SUMMARY ............................................................................................... 7 
1.1 
Synopsis ........................................................................................................................... 7 
1.2 
Schema ............................................................................................................................. 9 
1.3 
Schedule of Activities (SOA) ......................................................................................... 10 
2 
 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 11 
2.1 
Study Rationale .............................................................................................................. 11 
2.2 
Background .................................................................................................................... 12 
Sickle Cell Disease ............................................................................................................... 12 
Epidemiology of Venous Thromboembolism in Sickle Cell Disease .................................. 13 
Sickle Erythrocytes, Endothelial Inflammation and Thrombosis ......................................... 14 
Tissue Factor, hypercoagulability and thrombosis in SCD .................................................. 15 
Endothelial – Leukocyte – Platelet mediated inflammation in SCD .................................... 17 
Regulatory control of Tissue Factor ..................................................................................... 18 
Vascular Protein Disulfide Isomerase: thrombosis and tissue factor regulation .................. 19 
Isoquercetin inhibits PDI and lowers P-selectin ................................................................... 20 
2.3 
Risk/Benefit Assessment ................................................................................................ 22 
2.3.1 Known Potential Risks ................................................................................................. 22 
2.3.2 
Known Potential Benefits ....................................................................................... 24 
2.3.3 
Assessment of Potential Risks and Benefits ........................................................... 24 
3 
OBJECTIVES AND ENDPOINTS ...................................................................................... 25 
4 
STUDY DESIGN.................................................................................................................. 26 
4.1 
Overall Design ................................................................................................................ 26 
4.2 
Scientific Rationale for Study Design ............................................................................ 27 
4.3 
Justification for Dose ..................................................................................................... 27 
5 
STUDY POPULATION ....................................................................................................... 28 
5.1 
Inclusion Criteria ............................................................................................................ 28 
5.2 
Exclusion Criteria ........................................................................................................... 28 
5.3 
Inclusion of Vulnerable Participants .............................................................................. 29 
5.4 
Lifestyle Considerations ................................................................................................. 29 


3 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
5.5 
Screen Failures ............................................................................................................... 30 
5.6 
Strategies for Recruitment and Retention ...................................................................... 30 
5.6.1 
Costs ........................................................................................................................ 30 
5.6.2 
Compensation ......................................................................................................... 30 
6 
STUDY INTERVENTION ................................................................................................... 31 
6.1 
Study Interventions(s) Administration ........................................................................... 31 
6.1.1 
Study Intervention Description ............................................................................... 31 
6.1.2 
Dosing and Administration ..................................................................................... 32 
6.1.3 
Dose Escalation ....................................................................................................... 32 
6.1.4 
Dose Limiting Toxicity ........................................................................................... 32 
6.1.5 
Dose Modifications ................................................................................................. 32 
6.1.6 
Drug Administration ............................................................................................... 32 
6.2 
Preparation/Handling/Storage/Accountability ............................................................... 32 
6.2.1 
Acquisition and Accountability .............................................................................. 32 
6.2.2 
Formulation, Appearance, Packaging, and Labeling .............................................. 32 
6.2.3 
Product Storage and Stability.................................................................................. 33 
6.2.4 
Preparation .............................................................................................................. 33 
6.3 
Measures to Minimize Bias: Randomization and Blinding ........................................... 33 
6.4 
Study Intervention Adherence ........................................................................................ 33 
6.5 
Concomitant Therapy ..................................................................................................... 33 
7 
STUDY INTERVENTION DISCONTINUATION AND PARTICIPANT 
DISCONTINUATION/WITHDRAWAL ..................................................................................... 34 
7.1 
Discontinuation of Study Intervention ........................................................................... 34 
7.2 
Participant Discontinuation/Withdrawal from the Study ............................................... 34 
7.3 
Lost to Follow-up ........................................................................................................... 35 
8 
STUDY ASSESSMENTS AND PROCEDURES ................................................................ 35 
8.1 
Screening Procedures ..................................................................................................... 35 
8.2 
Study evaluation Procecures .......................................................................................... 36 
8.2.2 
Biospecimen Evaluations ........................................................................................ 38 
8.2.3 
Correlative Studies for Research/Pharmacokinetic Studies .................................... 40 
8.2.4 
Samples for Genetic/Genomic Analysis ................................................................. 40 
8.3 
Safety and Other Assessments ....................................................................................... 41 


4 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
8.4 
Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events ................................................................. 41 
8.4.1 
Definition of Adverse Event ................................................................................... 41 
8.4.2 
Definition of Serious Adverse Events (SAE) ......................................................... 41 
8.4.3 
Classification of an Adverse Event ......................................................................... 41 
8.4.4 
Grading and attribution of adverse events .............................................................. 42 
8.4.5 
Relationship to Study Intervention ......................................................................... 42 
8.4.6 
Expectedness ........................................................................................................... 43 
8.4.7 
Time Period and Frequency for Event Assessment and Follow-Up ....................... 43 
8.4.8 
Adverse Event Reporting ........................................................................................ 44 
8.4.9 
Serious Adverse Event Reporting ........................................................................... 44 
8.4.10 Events of Special Interest........................................................................................ 45 
8.4.11 Reporting of Pregnancy .......................................................................................... 45 
8.5 
Unanticipated Problems ................................................................................................. 45 
8.5.1 
Definition of Unanticipated Problems (UP) ........................................................... 45 
8.5.2 
Unanticipated Problem Reporting ........................................................................... 46 
8.5.3 
NIH Intramural IRB Reporting of IND Safety Reports .......................................... 46 
9 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................. 46 
9.1 
Statistical Hypothesis ..................................................................................................... 46 
9.2 
Sample Size Determination ............................................................................................ 46 
9.3 
Populations for Analyses ................................................................................................ 47 
9.3.1 
Evaluable for toxicity .............................................................................................. 47 
9.3.2 
Evaluable for objective response ............................................................................ 47 
9.4 
Statistical Analyses ........................................................................................................ 47 
9.4.1 
General Approach ................................................................................................... 47 
9.4.2 
Analysis of the Primary Endpoints ......................................................................... 47 
9.4.3 
Analysis of the Secondary Endpoint(s) ................................................................... 48 
9.4.4 
Safety Analyses ....................................................................................................... 48 
9.4.5 
Baseline Descriptive Statistics ................................................................................ 50 
10 REGULATORY AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS ......................................... 50 
10.1 Informed Consent Process .............................................................................................. 50 
10.1.1 Consent/Assent Procedures and Documentation .................................................... 50 
10.1.2 Consent for minors when they reach the age of majority ....................................... 51 


5 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
10.1.3 Telephone consent .................................................................................................. 51 
10.1.4 Participation of Subjects who are/become Decisionally Impaired ......................... 51 
10.2 Study Discontinuation and Closure ................................................................................ 51 
10.3 Confidentiality and Privacy ............................................................................................ 52 
10.4 Future use of Stored Specimens and Data ...................................................................... 52 
10.5 Safety Oversight ............................................................................................................. 53 
10.6 Clinical Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 53 
10.7 Quality Assurance and Quality Control ......................................................................... 53 
10.8 Data Handling and Record Keeping ............................................................................... 54 
10.8.1 Data Collection and Management Responsibilities ................................................ 54 
10.8.2 Study Records Retention ......................................................................................... 54 
10.9 Protocol Deviations ........................................................................................................ 54 
10.10 Publication and Data Sharing Policy .............................................................................. 54 
10.10.1 Human Data Sharing Plan ....................................................................................... 54 
10.10.2 Genomic Data Sharing Plan .................................................................................... 55 
10.11 Collaborative Agreements .............................................................................................. 55 
10.11.1 Agreement Type ...................................................................................................... 55 
10.12 Conflict of Interest Policy .............................................................................................. 55 
11 ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................................. 55 
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 58 
 
 
 


6 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 
The trial will be carried out in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization Good 
Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) and the following:  
• United States (US) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) applicable to clinical studies (45 
CFR Part 46, 21 CFR Part 50, 21 CFR Part 56, and 21 CFR Part 312)  
National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded investigators and clinical trial site staff who are 
responsible for the conduct, management, or oversight of NIH-funded clinical trials have 
completed Human Subjects Protection and ICH GCP Training. 
The protocol, informed consent form(s), recruitment materials, and all participant materials will 
be submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval.  Approval of both 
the protocol and the consent form must be obtained before any participant is enrolled.  Any 
amendment to the protocol will require review and approval by the IRB before the changes are 
implemented to the study.  In addition, all changes to the consent form will be IRB-approved; a 
determination will be made regarding whether a new consent needs to be obtained from 
participants who provided consent, using a previously approved consent form. 
 
 


7 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
 
1 
PROTOCOL SUMMARY 
1.1 
SYNOPSIS 
Title: 
Study to Evaluate the Effects of fixed dose Flavonoid Isoquercetin on 
thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with stable Sickle Cell 
Disease 
Study Description: 
Similar to cancer, sickle cell disease is associated with an acquired 
hypercoagulable state and exhibits a high prevalence of incident and 
recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Elevated levels of the 
procoagulant protein tissue factor and its activator, protein disulfide 
isomerase (PDI) in humans with sickle cell disease (SCD) suggest a 
causal role for thrombogenesis. In cancer patients, pharmacological 
inhibition of plasma PDI with Isoquercetin (IQ) led to a reduction in 
VTE biomarkers and VTE recurrence. These findings provide support 
to test the hypothesis that Isoquercetin in sickle cell disease would 
diminish thrombo-inflammatory VTE biomarkers and attenuate the 
associated hypercoagulable state. 
Objectives: 
 
1) To measure the effect of Isoquercetin, an oral inhibitor of 
vascular PDI, on plasma soluble P-selectin levels in subjects with 
stable SCD. 
2) To assess the clinical safety and tolerability of 1000 mg IQ in 
subjects with stable SCD.  
3) To determine the effect of IQ on markers of hypercoagulability 
(plasma PDI, circulating tissue factor positive extracellular 
vesicles, plasma tissue factor procoagulant activity and plasma 
thrombin generation) in subjects with stable sickle cell disease. 
Endpoints: 
The primary outcome will be the change in plasma soluble P-selectin 
level comparing the baseline versus IQ or placebo.  
Secondary outcomes are to: 
1) Compare baseline and end of study plasma PDI activity 
2) Compare baseline and end of study plasma tissue factor positive 
extracellular vesicle number 
3) Compare baseline and end of study plasma tissue factor 
procoagulant activity 
4) Compare baseline and end of study inflammation and coagulation 
parameters 
5) Compare baseline and end of study contemporary biomarkers of 
vascular function and atherothrombosis 
6)  Assess safety/tolerability and adherence to oral IQ 
 
Study Population: 
Up to 46 male and female subjects of all races between the ages of 
18-70 years with SCD who live locally will be enrolled. 


8 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
Phase: 
II  
Description of 
Sites/Facilities 
Enrolling 
Participants:              
Enrollment and study visits will take place at the NIH Clinical 
Center.                                                                                                      
Subjects with sickle cell disease 
Description of Study 
Intervention: 
Isoquercetin 1000 mg or placebo once daily by mouth for 28 days.  
Study Duration: 
2 years  
Participant 
Duration: 
 
 
 
 
 
5-9 weeks 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


9 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
1.2 
SCHEMA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


10 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
 
1.3 
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (SOA) 
 
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENTS  
Screening (A) 
Baseline 
End of 
Study 
Phone Call 
(B) 
PROTOCOL TIMEPOINT VISITS 
1 
2 
3 
4 
Days 
  
D0 
D28 
D56 
Window +/- days  
-90Days 
-28Days 
+ 7Days  
± 7Days  
Evaluations & Consent  
  
  
  
  
Consent to study  
x 
  
  
  
Review Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria  
x 
x 
  
  
Review of Medical History  
x 
x  
x  
  
Procedures & Assessments 
  
  
  
  
Establish Baseline Symptoms  
  
x 
  
  
Physical Examination  
x 
x 
x 
  
Review of Medications 
x 
x 
x 
  
Vital Signs with Weight (kg) 
x 
x 
x 
  
Review Of Adverse Events  
  
x 
x 
x 
24-hour Dietary Recall 
x 
x 
x 
 
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) (ENDO-PAT) 
  
x 4 
x 4 
  
NIRS (Near Infrared Spectometry) 
 
x 4 
x 4 
 
CHEMISTRY LABS 
  
  
  
  
Female, Pregnancy Test, Beta HCG  (blood or urine) 
x1 
x1 
x1 
  
Acute Care Panel 
x 
x 
x 
  
Mineral Panel  
x 
x 
x 
  
Fasting Glucose  
x 
  
  
  
Hepatic Panel  
x 
x 
x 
  
Total Protein 
 x 
x 
x 
  
Creatinine Kinase 
 x 
x 
x 
  
Uric Acid  
 x 
x 
x 
  
C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 
  
x 
x 
  
B-type natriuretic peptide (P-BNP) 
  
x 
x 
  
Lactate Dehydrogenase 
 x 
x 
x 
  
Calculated Creatinine Clearance  
 x 
x 
x 
  
Viral Serology: HIV, hepaititis B and C (Serum HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-
HIV) 
x 
  
  
  
HEMATOLOGY LABS 
  
  
  
  
CBC with differential 
x 
x 
x 
  
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis  
x 
x 
x 
  
D-Dimer  
x 
x 
x 
  
Coagulation Screen (PT, PTT, INR, Fibrinogen) 
x 
x 
x 
  
Reticulocyte Count  
x 
x 
x 
  
Direct Antiglobulin Screen 
 
x  
x 
  
Research Samples (Up to 30 mL) 
  
  
  
  
Biochemical Studies (3 ml 3.8% Sodium Citrate) 
  
x 
x 
  
Coagulation Studies (9 ml 3.8% Sodium Citrate) 
  
x 
x 
  
Red Blood Cell Studies (6 ml EDTA tube) 
  
x 
x 
  
Platelet Function Test (6 ml 3.8% Sodium Citrate) 
  
x 
x 
  


11 
Abbreviated Title: IQ in sickle cell disease 
Version Date: May 5, 2023 
 
Template version date 07-29-2019 
Leukocytes isolation for gene expression and RNAseq (3 ml 3.8% Sodium Citrate) 
  
x 
x 
  
Study Supplement Medication  
  
  
  
  
Study Supplement Randonization  
  
x 
  
  
Study Supplement, Diary and Electronic Pill Dispenser Dispensed 
  
x3 
  
  
Study Supplement Compliance  
  
  
x2 
  
Study Supplement, Diary and Electronic Pill Dispenser Returned  
  
  
x 
  
A =  Screening tests will be done at the Screening Visit unless any of the tests have been performed under another NIH protocol 
within 90 days prior to  day 0 of study drug. 
B. Any adverse event requiring a clinic visit during that safety follow up period will be managed as clinically indicated 
x1 = for females of child bearing potential 
x2 = subject must be greater than or equal to 75% to be considered compliant 
x3 = counsel subjects to maintain a stable diet and not start any new diet or active SCD treatment for the duration of the study (Pill 
Dispenser is optional). 
x4 = ENDO-PAT and NIRS testing are optional and completion will be based on availability of service and participant willingness.  
 
2 
 INTRODUCTION 
2.1 
STUDY RATIONALE 
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and cancer are chronic conditions that share an acquired 
hypercoagulable state which clinically manifests as venous thromboembolic disease and 
contributes to mortality 1. Moreover, both disorders share a similar increased risk for bleeding 
upon exposure to short and long term anticoagulation, the standard treatment for venous 
thromboembolism 2,3. Scientific evidence supports the notion that inflammation perturbs 
endothelial and leukocyte homeostasis and upregulates tissue factor (TF) and P-selectin 
expression, two major contributors to thrombo-inflammatory pathobiology in SCD 4-6. 
Endothelial and platelet injury in SCD also likely contributes to elevated plasma protein disulfide 
isomerase (PDI) levels possibly explaining higher PDI concentrations on the surface of sickle 
RBCs compared to normal red blood cells (RBCs) 7. PDI, a vascular thiol isomerase released 
during endothelial/platelet injury stimulates thrombin production by generating platelet factor Va 
in humans, and upon vascular injury in mice, facilitates fibrin deposition 8-10. PDI mediates 
these effects through oxidation of the Cys 186-Cys 209 bond and allosteric activation of TF, 
which decrypts TF pro coagulant activity 11,12. Decryption of circulating TF pro coagulant 
activity by plasma PDI possibly explains TF driven activation of coagulation in SCD. 
Consequently, increased TF pro coagulant activity triggers activation of intravascular 
coagulation which combined with venous stasis/hypoxia provokes venous thromboembolism 
(VTE).  
Since SCD patients have increased blood borne tissue factor, sustained thrombin generation and 
demonstrate features of platelet activation, plasma PDI inhibition, by restoring post-translational 
regulatory control of TF, might attenuate the associated hypercoagulable state. Such an approach 
is rationalized by observations of elevated plasma PDI activity SCD mice that when exposed to a 
pharmacologic PDI inhibitor demonstrated reduced vaso-occlusive crisis and microvascular 
thrombosis 13. In a phase II trial of patients with active cancer, the flavonoid Isoquercetin (IQ) 
(Querces AG, Switzerland)) robustly inhibited plasma PDI activity and favorably reduced 
soluble P-selectin, a biomarker predictive of VTE development 14. Besides, none of these 
patients experienced any increased risk of bleeding typically observed with exposure to warfarin 
or non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants 2,3. The salutatory benefits of lowering soluble P-selectin 


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in SCD patients are both reduced inflammation and TF expression. Therefore, our overall 
hypothesis is that therapeutic intervention with IQ would lower soluble P-selectin and 
simultaneously decrease the prothrombotic effects of TF without a concomitantly increased risk 
for bleeding. Evaluating the effects of IQ-mediated PDI inhibition on blood borne TF 
procoagulant activity and plasma soluble P-selectin will provide important insight into the 
pathophysiologic basis of the hypercoagulable state in SCD.  
 
2.2 
BACKGROUND  
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic hemoglobin disorder caused by a mutation 
in the gene encoding the β globin subunit of adult hemoglobin (HbA) resulting in a substitution 
of valine for glutamic acid at position 6 and thus producing hemoglobin S (HbS) 15. When 
deoxygenated, HbS polymerizes, rendering the red cell rigid, viscous, and abnormally adherent 
to the capillary endothelium. This impedes blood flow in the microcirculation, causing ischemia 
and microinfarcts that lead to painful crises, cerebrovascular stroke, renal impairment, 
retinopathy and other end-organ damage. The current scientific literature currently recognizes the 
contribution of an acquired hypercoagulable state in SCD to vascular pathobiology, chronic 
organ dysfunction, and mortality. 
Sickle Cell Disease  
Although sickling disorders occur predominantly in individuals of African descent, the disease is 
truly global with prevalence in the Mediterranean, Middle East, parts of India, the Caribbean, 
and South and Central America 16. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 300,000 children 
are born with SCD each year 16. However, due to population migration, the clinical management 
of SCD is now routine medical practice in the United States 17,18. In the US, SCD affects an 
estimated 100,000 Americans (the vast majority of whom report African descent), and about one 
in 365 African-American newborns 19. An additional three million individuals heterozygous for 
the rs334 mutation (HbAS) possess the sickle cell trait (SCT) 20.  
Frequent attacks of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), chronic pain, and end organ damage result in 
recurrent hospitalization, morbidity and increased health system utilization 21. Premature 
mortality in SCD is also high, with an age of death estimated to be 33.4 years for SCD males and 
36.9 years for SCD females in 2005 20, owing largely to an incompletely characterized small 
and large vessel “vasculopathy” that affects the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys 22. Amongst 
clinical presentations accounting for mortality are severe VOC, acute chest syndrome (ACS), 
pulmonary hypertension (PH), VTE, asthma, and heart failure 23-27. Approximately 10% of 
SCD patients have PH, which puts them at a higher two year mortality compared to SCD patients 
without PH 28-30. A variable proportion of these patients have chronic thromboembolic 
pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as the primary causative factor of their PH 30. SCD patients 
have a 12% cumulative incidence of VTE, either deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary 
embolism (PE), putting them at a 2 – 3 fold higher mortality compared to patients without VTE 
26,31. Associated pulmonary thrombosis is observed in up to 20% cases of ACS, the latter being 
associated with high mortality 32.  


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Widespread clinical use of disease modifying therapies such as prophylactic antibiotics in 
children, hydroxyurea to increase fetal hemoglobin, and simple blood transfusion, coupled with 
greater acceptance of stem cell transplantation, have led to improved patient survival over the 
past two decades 33-35. As a consequence, there is a growing population of older adults with 
SCD likely to be exposed to age related increased VTE risk 36,37, in addition to the already high 
risk of VTE in these patients related to their underlying SCD. Even individuals with 
heterozygous SCT appear to have a higher risk for VTE, specifically pulmonary thrombosis 
38,39. Since African Americans have a higher risk for VTE compared to other ethnic groups in 
the US 40, it remains to be determined whether this increased risk is solely attributable to HbS. 
Increased VTE among SCD patients and among individuals with SCT makes studies of venous 
thrombosis a clinical research priority. 
Epidemiology of Venous Thromboembolism in Sickle Cell Disease 
The clinical course of SCD is highly variable yet inexorable vascular organ dysfunction 
stemming from chronic vasculopathy is a hallmark of disease and eventually occurs in most SCD 
patients. Chronic hemolysis and recurrent vaso-occlusive crises resulting in tissue damage likely 
play a causal role. The damage inflicted to the vasculature by pathological adherence of sickle 
red cells provokes inflammation, vasoconstriction, oxidative damage, and a prothrombotic state. 
Vasculopathy is therefore a key driver of many of the organ complications of SCD.  
Thrombotic arterial vasculopathy is historically well recognized in SCD particularly in the 
context of stroke 41,42, but an appreciation of the role of thrombotic venous vasculopathy in 
SCD is more recent 1,43. Clinically, this is manifest as high cumulative VTE incidence ~12% by 
age 40 which is substantially earlier than in the general population. The more severe genotypes 
(HbSS and HbSβ0) and/or patients hospitalized > 3 times a year with a pain crisis are at greatest 
risk. Short and long term VTE complications include higher mortality, chronic thromboembolic 
pulmonary hypertension, post phlebitic syndrome, and venous leg ulceration and increased 
mortality 44,45. ACS has been shown to be coincident with pulmonary venous thrombosis in up 
to 20% cases, prompting exploration of the therapeutic benefits of heparin (NCT02580773) 
32,46. VTE incidence is 3 fold higher even among 15-30 year young SCD patients, comparable 
to the excess thrombosis risk in carriers of the Factor V Leiden mutation, a well-studied inherited 
prothrombotic state with an increased risk for early VTE 31. The frequent incidence and 
recurrence of VTE in SCD patients 2,26,31 suggests a “high risk” prothrombotic state similar in 
risk to that associated with active cancer 1,47.  
Current consensus recommendations from large clinical trials following a first episode of VTE in 
the general population support anticoagulation treatment for a minimum of 3 months 48. The risk 
of VTE recurrence following the discontinuation of anticoagulation, is well recognized 45. 
Owing to the complex risk/benefit ratio based on weighing the risk of increased bleeding versus 
recurrent thromboembolism, extension of anticoagulation beyond the 3-month period in a patient 
with first VTE is individualized. Amongst individuals with unprovoked VTE or in those with a 
known hypercoagulable state such as active cancer, the consensus is to extend the duration of 
anticoagulation indefinitely 49. Notably, SCD patients were largely excluded from studies that 
led to these conclusions. There is a lack of robust, externally validated VTE recurrence and/or 
bleeding scores that might help guide long-term treatment decisions in SCD 1,43,48,49. The high 
cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE in SCD (14% at 1 year and over 25 % at 5 years) provide 


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a strong clinical rationale for extended duration anticoagulation as secondary prophylaxis 2. 
However, the exact duration for which anticoagulation must be extended is uncertain and the 
increased risk of bleeding noted in SCD patients while on anticoagulation warrants caution 2. 
Yet, in the absence of robust evidence, following an initial episode of VTE, indefinitely extended 
anticoagulation remains a practical choice for many SCD patients and their physicians 1.  
There is widespread evidence for coagulation system activation is SCD patients both during 
VOC and between VOC, while in their usual state of health, i.e., in “steady state” 1. Correlating 
these biomarkers with clinical evidence for VTE suggests a distinct overlap between SCD and 
inherited prothrombotic states such as Factor V Leiden. Unfortunately, the absence of clinical or 
laboratory tests predictive of VTE incidence/recurrence coupled with a higher than average 
bleeding risk in SCD associated with exposure to traditional anticoagulants like warfarin or 
agents that target factor X and factor II presents challenges. Novel therapies providing 
antithrombotic effects without increasing the risk of bleeding are therefore highly desirable. As 
an example, targeting coagulation factors XI to prevent surgically-provoked VTE in the general 
population is as efficacious as heparin but is associated with a lower risk of bleeding 50. 
Targeting thrombo-inflammatory pathways, that are disproportionately activated in SCD patients 
for e.g., the TF pathway, are highly relevant from this perspective.  
Sickle Erythrocytes, Endothelial Inflammation and Thrombosis 
Hb-S polymerization, hemolytic anemia, and impaired microcirculatory blood flow from acute 
vaso-occlusion are central to SCD pathophysiology 51,52. The primary pathophysiological event 
in SCD is abnormal polymerization of sickle hemoglobin with deoxygenation, which results in 
structural and functional abnormalities of the red blood cell (RBC). HbS polymerization alters 
RBC membrane stability, increases RBC-dependent cellular interactions, causes hemolysis, and 
reduces sickle RBC lifespan 53. Besides, the associated membrane abnormalities permit the loss 
of ions and water and result in the formation of dense dehydrated RBCs 54. These abnormal 
RBCs apparently play a central role in disease pathophysiology, contributing to the two principle 
causal mediators of disease pathology, VOC that mediates ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and 
intravascular hemoglobin release 51,55,56.  
The nature of VOC events in the microcirculation described above are complex. Sickle RBCs are 
unable to easily traverse small capillaries, enhancing the likelihood of adherent interactions 
between RBCs and the postcapillary endothelial surface via RBC adhesion molecules such as 
CD36 and integrin a4b1. Frequent sickling and unsickling leads to release of heme loaded RBC 
derived vesicles 57 that adhere to the endothelium, promote vascular stasis, alter rheology and 
trigger vascular occlusion in various organ microcirculatory beds 58. Although the events 
surrounding VOC are only partially understood, its consequence, ischemia/reperfusion injury, is 
a profoundly proinflammatory 55,59-61.  
 
Free hemoglobin released during hemolysis promotes inflammation by scavenging vascular 
nitric oxide, activating toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) on both endothelial cells and leucocytes and 
directly inducing adhesive (VCAM-1, ICAM, and E-selectin) and procoagulant (TF) molecules 
5,6,62-64. Moreover, intracellular molecules released during tissue damage e.g., high mobility 
group box-1 (HMGB1) protein are capable of mediating thrombotic vascular pathobiology in 


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both SCD and VTE 65-68. Intravascular heme stimulates neutrophils to release extracellular 
traps in SCD 69 which can further favor thrombosis 70. Heme-bound iron stimulates expression 
of placental growth factor in erythroid cells 71. This promotes TLR4 signaling in endothelial 
cells and macrophages, activating NF-k B and further triggers vaso-occlusion through Weibel-
Palade body degranulation and adhesion molecule expression in SCD 71,72. Sickled RBCs 
themselves may also directly stimulate thrombosis, based on recent observations of the 
association between sickled RBCs and fibrin in loosely compacted venous clots 73. 
In summary, Hb-S polymerization results in vascular inflammation that can serve as an important 
stimulus for TF-driven activation of coagulation and increased thrombogenic risk. Venous 
thrombosis in SCD is likely mediated by known and unrecognized mechanisms, highlighting the 
need for additional research to understand key thrombo-inflammatory processes that drive 
vasculopathy. 
Tissue Factor, hypercoagulability and thrombosis in SCD 
Overview of the hemostatic system and sickle cell disease 
The formation, growth and breakdown of venous thrombi in the vasculature is always in a state 
of flux between thrombogenic stimuli and protective antithrombotic mechanisms. First identified 
by Virchow , the triad of thrombogenic stimuli are i) stasis, ii) activation of plasmatic 
coagulation factors, and iii) endothelial or vessel wall damage, are all present in patients with 
SCD (Figure 1) 37,74-76. The protective antithrombotic mechanisms preventing coagulation 
include i) inactivation of activated coagulation factors by circulating inhibitors, ii) clearance of 
coagulation factors and soluble fibrin polymer complexes by mononuclear phagocytes and 
hepatocytes, iii) lysis of fibrin by the fibrinolytic system in plasma and endothelial cells. These 
pathways have almost all been shown to favor thrombosis in SCD patients, as reviewed below 
77-79. 
 
Figure 1 Virchows triad in Sickle Cell Disease 
 
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Increased tissue factor antigen and pro coagulant activity 
TF, the principal trigger of coagulation in vivo, has procoagulant and proinflammatory effects by 
virtue of its ability to signal both intra and extracellularly 80. Although normally separated from 
contact with the plasma coagulation proteins (FVIIa) by an intact endothelial layer, there is a 
growing appreciation of the contribution of “blood borne” TF to thrombosis. In SCD patients, 
blood borne TF is localized to endothelial cells 5, leucocytes 64 and extracellular vesicles (EVs) 
derived from these cells 81. The number of circulating blood cells and EVs exposing TF 
increases during an acute SCD crisis when compared to the steady state 5,81. In parallel with 
cellular and EV TF antigen expression, whole blood TF procoagulant activity is elevated among 
SCD patients providing a biologically plausible connection between intravascular hemolysis and 
coagulation 81-84. TF pathway-mediated factor Xa generation and subsequently thrombin (IIa) 
formation results in intravascular coagulation and eventual formation of an insoluble fibrin. The 
central role of TF pathway-mediated thrombin generation and fibrin deposition provides the 
scientific rationale for targeting TF to reduce pathological thrombosis. 
Biochemical markers of Factor Xa and thrombin 
Thrombin plays dual pro- and anti-inflammatory roles but is amongst the most potent of 
biological stimulatory molecules for endothelial cells and platelets. Plasma thrombin (evidenced 
by elevated prothrombin fragment F1.2 [PF1.2], thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), 
fibrinopeptide A, and fragment E levels) is elevated in SCD patients during acute crises and 
when patients are in their steady state 1. Increased thrombin generation is also suggested 
indirectly by elevated factor VII turnover, enhanced platelet activation, and reduced anti-
thrombin (AT), proteins S and protein C levels 1. Proinflammatory effects of thrombin result in 
endothelial release of vasoactive substance von Willebrand Factor (vWF), prostacyclins, 
plasminogen activator and platelet activating factor, along with increased expression of 
endothelial adhesion molecule and P-selectin expression, that could contribute to or worsen 
vaso-occlusion. The prothrombotic cycle is completed by thrombin mediated platelet activation 
and subsequent platelet release reactions that accelerate and propagate coagulation. 
Evidence for Hemostatic perturbation from murine models of SCD  
Limitations notwithstanding, murine models provide insights into the complex vascular 
pathobiology of SCD highlighting in particular the involvement of red cell sickling, 
inflammation, adhesive events, coagulation, vascular stasis, reperfusion injury, deficient nitric 
oxide (NO) bioavailability and oxidative biochemistry 85-90. Clearly, the proinflammatory SCD 
milieu through distinctive yet intersecting pathways cooperatively recruits coagulation molecules 
(TF and thrombin), cellular components of blood (leucocytes, endothelial cells, and platelets) 
and extracellular vesicles to promote stasis, thrombosis and vasculopathy 58,91,92. That TF is a 
key player in this pathophysiology is apparent from studies in which mice engineered to express 
low TF levels (1%) and transplanted with HbSS bone marrow stem cells demonstrated a 
reduction in vascular inflammation, endothelial cell injury, and cellular stasis 93,94. Moreover, 
its capacity to incite organ specific thrombotic pathophysiology is demonstrated by higher 
endothelial luminal surface TF expression in pulmonary veins of Berkeley SS mice unrelated to 
dietary fat intake 95. Subjecting such mice to transient hypoxia followed by reoxygenation 


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upregulates pulmonary vein TF expression above the baseline, a phenomenon reversible by 
lovastatin 95. Since thrombo-inflammatory pathology in SCD appears to be mediated by 
abnormal TF expression and procoagulant activity, lowering TF expression or reducing its 
procoagulant activity would be an attractive strategy to pursue to prevent VTE in SCD patients.  
Endothelial – Leukocyte – Platelet mediated inflammation in SCD 
Recurrent adhesive events and VOC leave the cellular components of blood and vascular 
endothelium in a state of constant activation. Between crises, when patients report themselves to 
be in “steady state”, their baseline biochemical inflammation markers remain abnormal 
supporting the notion of a persistent chronic inflammatory state. Activation of vascular 
endothelial cells itself seems necessary but not sufficient to mediate vaso-occlusion. Sickle 
erythrocytes are key contributors to the occlusion of smaller vessels whereas in post capillary 
venules, it is possible that activated, adherent leukocytes are likely drivers of vaso-occlusion 96. 
Additional factors favoring a prothrombotic state include decreased thrombomodulin, TF 
pathway inhibitor, and increased release of von Willebrand factor. Lastly, in addition to inducing 
sickling, hypoxia promotes development of a highly prothrombotic proangiogenic microvascular 
environment favoring fibrin deposition, stasis and ultimately vascular thrombus formation 97,98. 
 
P-selectin found in storage granules of resting endothelial cells and platelets is rapidly 
transferred to the cell membrane during inflammation and cellular activation. Endothelial surface 
P-selectin expression mediates abnormal rolling and static adhesion of sickle erythrocytes in 
vitro 99-101 and prompt adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to vascular endothelial cells followed by 
vascular occlusion in transgenic mice with SCD 90,101-103. Importantly, SCD mice deficient in 
P- and E-selectin demonstrate defects in vessel wall leukocyte recruitment and are protected 
from vaso-occlusion 101,102,104. In transgenic mice expressing human HbS, adherence of sickle 
erythrocytes and leukocyte to the endothelium is substantially reduced by pharmacological P-
selectin blockade 101,105. P-selectin also drives TLR-4/heme dependent complement mediated 
endothelial attack that contributes to vessel wall inflammation in several hemolytic disorders 
including SCD 106.  
In humans, P-selectin shedding from vascular cells is increased in cardiovascular disease, sepsis, 
and cancer and its levels in some situations are predictive of venous thromboembolic events 107. 
In a prospective study of 687 cancer patients followed for a median of 415 days, the risk of VTE 
was 2.6 (95% CI, 1.4-4.8) times higher among those with levels higher than the 75th percentile 
compared with cancer patients with levels below the upper quartile 108. The cumulative 
probability of developing VTE 6 months after study inclusion was 11.9% in patients with 
elevated soluble P-selectin levels and 3.7% in those with lower levels 108. Soluble P-selectin 
levels predict VTE recurrence risk but whether they have causal relevance in venous thrombosis 
remains to be elucidated 107,109. Besides, while soluble P-selectin levels are elevated in SCD 
patients 110, no studies have evaluated their utility in predicting VTE. Selectins mediate 
adhesive cell-cell interactions and in SCD patients favor the formation of hetero-cellular 
aggregates that alter vascular rheology 111,112. A clinical trial of an anti P-selectin antibody 
targeting the P-selectin/PSGL-1 interaction reduced sickle cell crisis rates by 45.3% compared 
with placebo, simultaneously prolonging the time to the first and second crises 4. As a 


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consequence, a phase 3 study of this agent is ongoing (NCT03814746) and several other selectin 
antagonists are in advanced phase clinical trials (NCT02433158).  
Regulatory control of Tissue Factor  
TF is the principal initiator of coagulation in vivo 80. TF binding to plasma FVIIa, leads to 
formation of a TF–FVIIa complex that triggers the coagulation cascade by activating both FIX 
and FX. Thus, in the interest of preventing catastrophic intravascular coagulation, the genetic and 
posttranslational regulation of TF is tightly controlled 113,114. In the healthy state, TF 
expression is limited primarily to perivascular and epithelial cells, but inflammatory conditions 
induce TF expression in circulating monocytes or vascular endothelial cells, by activation of TF 
gene transcription. In sepsis, monocyte TF expression leads to disseminated intravascular 
coagulation whereas surface TF expression by tumor endothelium and subsequent release of TF+ 
vesicles favors venous thromboembolism 115,116. Irrespective of its cellular source and whether 
it is induced or expressed constitutively, most cell surface expressed TF is in an ‘encrypted’ 
inactive confirmation and demonstrates little or no pro-coagulant activity 114.  
Current literature supports the notion that low levels of TF are measurable in blood, so called 
“blood-borne TF” 80,117. However, blood-borne TF is either fully encrypted or inactivated by 
plasma inhibitors, i.e., tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Among several proposed 
mechanisms to explain TF decryption, externalization of phosphatidyl serine (PS) to the outer 
leaflet of plasma membrane and oxidation of a TF disulfide bond appear most plausible 118,119. 
In support of the former are in vitro studies that require TF association with phospholipids for 
expression of its procoagulant activity, with anionic phospholipids, such as PS, in the 
phospholipid mixture markedly increasing that activity 118,120. Due to their high surface PS TF+ 
EVs do not appear to require decryption to exhibit pro coagulant activity.  
The observations that cell surface expressed TF contained free thiols, and that cellular activation 
with ionomycin or HgCl2 depleted free thiols in TF led to the suggestion that Cys186-Cys209 
disulfide bond formation changes the conformation of TF facilitating the binding of substrates 
FIX and FX 121. Support for this hypothesis is the observation that mutagenesis of Cys186 and 
Cys209 residues which prevents the formation of a Cys186-Cys209 disulfide bond, severely 
impairs TF pro coagulant activity in several cell types 11,122. Biochemical studies using purified 
placental TF show that reduction of the allosteric disulfide bond in TF does not affect TF binding 
to FVIIa but results in a complete loss of TF co-factor function 123. 
Oxidation of an allosteric disulfide bond of TF to regulate TF pro coagulant activity is likely 
achieved by disulfide regulatory switching 119,124, a function exhibited by protein disulfide 
isomerase (PDI, see section 2.7) 119,125. PDI associated with the extracellular domain of TF on 
the surface of keratinocytes maintains TF in a low pro-coagulant state, supporting its role as a 
regulator of TF 11. In vivo studies using a murine injury induced thrombosis model revealed that 
inhibition of PDI released by adherent platelets and disrupted vessel wall cells at the injury site 
decreased TF triggered fibrin deposition 12. In another murine vascular thrombosis model, time-
dependent increases in PDI were observed in vessel thrombi and PDI inhibition (using either 
bacitracin or a function-blocking mAb) abrogated thrombus/fibrin formation 10,126. These 
studies suggest that PDI plays a key role in regulating TF mediated thrombin generation at the 
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Vascular Protein Disulfide Isomerase: thrombosis and tissue factor regulation 
Thiol isomerases contain a thioredoxin-like domain and function as reductases, oxidases, or 
isomerases. The archetypical and most abundant thiol isomerase PDI, is a 57 kDa thiol 
oxidoreductase isolated mainly from cellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it possesses 
chaperone and protein folding functions. PDI is also located at the surface of the plasma 
membranes of  platelets, endothelial cells and the vessel wall where it can act on extracellular 
substrates involved in thrombosis, specifically integrins 125,127. Vascular wall injury prompts 
PDI release from disrupted endothelium and bound platelets. PDI at the cell surface promotes 
thrombosis via disulfide modification of covalently-bound substrates, specifically 
thrombospondin, vitronectin and TF decryption 125,128,129. PDI’s role in thrombus formation 
has become evident from several murine vascular thrombosis models 12,126. The hypothesis that 
plasma PDI acts on intravascular coagulation protein substrates to prime thrombus formation 
following vessel injury or activation is therefore consistent with current observations. Global 
inhibition of vascular thiol isomerases interferes with this “priming” of molecules involved in 
coagulation and blocks thrombus formation in animal models.  
 
Figure 2. Surface PDI in RBCs membranes. Figure taken from Prado et al. 2013. 
By immunoblotting, cell surface associated PDI on sickle RBCs is present in higher 
concentrations compared to control RBCs (Figure 2) 7. We independently confirmed these data 
in our laboratory (results not shown). It is therefore possible that plasma PDI activity in SCD is 
cell surface associated, a location where it could promote thrombosis via disulfide modification 
and activation of blood borne tissue factor. The origin of RBC surface PDI in SCD is uncertain, 
but is very likely transferred from endothelial cells, following inflammation and injury (see 
section 2.3). Further support for PDI as a therapeutic target in SCD comes from the observation 
that plasma PDI activity is elevated in Townes SS mice 7,13. Pretreatment of these mice with a 
flavonoid inhibitor of plasma PDI activity reduced TNF alpha mediated vascular-occlusion and 
laser vascular injury mediated thrombosis 13.  
In contrast to the abundance of literature on intracellular thiol isomerases, very little information 
is available on plasma vascular thiol isomerases in humans. Plasma PDI activity is measurable in 
healthy individuals (median=330 pg/mL) with low intra-individual variability over time 130. 
Despite a lack of clarity pertaining to the repertoire of vascular thiol isomerases that participate 
in thrombosis, trials of agents that target these molecules in humans are ongoing. However, 
safety features of the flavonoid agents in human clinical trials to date 9,14 suggest that these are 
valid candidates with which to modulate the thrombo-inflammatory axis in SCD. Evaluating PDI 
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inhibition with Isoquercetin as a means to prevent thrombosis in SCD is a novel therapeutic 
approach.  
Isoquercetin inhibits PDI and lowers P-selectin 
Flavonoids quercetins are present in food (fruit and vegetables), and epidemiologic studies of 
diets rich in these substances point to potential cardiovascular benefits, specifically decreased 
mortality secondary to myocardial infarction 131. Quercetin a small molecule flavonoid inhibits 
the enzymatic activity of PDI by occupying its substrate-binding pocket 132. Structure-activity 
relationship assays showed that all quercetins tested that possessed a glycoside at the third 
position on the C ring inhibited PDI, including IQ and quercetin-3-rutinoside 133,134. IQ (also 
known as quercetin-3-glucoside), has a similar structure and PDI inhibitory activity to quercetin 
but demonstrates superior bioavailability in humans134. In healthy volunteers, within 2 hours of 
administration of 1,000 mg oral IQ, reduced plasma PDI activity by 38% compared with activity 
observed in pre IQ ingestion plasma (see figure 3 panel A) 9. Peak plasma IQ concentration 
correlated with peak plasma PDI inhibition when Isoquercetin concentrations were above 4 μM 
(see figure 3 panel B), achieving a median PDI inhibition of 0.69 U/ml 9. In cancer patients, 2 
months of daily 1000 mg oral IQ exposure resulted in a median change in PDI inhibitory activity 
of >70 % and a median 58 % reduction in soluble P-selectin 14. 
   
 
Figure 3: Isoquercetin inhibits PDI activity in plasma. A) Comparison of PDI inhibition and quercetin levels 
following administration of Isoquercetin to healthy adults. B) Box-and-whisker plot of peak PDI inhibition at peak 
quercetin concentrations above or below 4 μM. Figures taken from Stopa et al 2017. 
 
Preliminary Data:  
The primary endpoint of this study is to evaluate the effect of IQ on soluble P-selectin, a plasma 
biomarker that predicts future risk of VTE. Our cross-sectional observations (AS Shet unpublished 
data) and published studies demonstrate elevated soluble P-selectin in SCD patients when 
compared to ethnic matched healthy controls 135,136. Moreover, limited data is available on the 
variability of soluble P-selectin in SCD patients sampled over different time points. We therefore 
determined the variability of soluble P-selectin using stored plasma obtained from SCD subjects 
enrolled on protocol 17-H-0056. Subjects enrolled in this study were sampled at baseline during 
“steady state” when they self-reported to be in their usual state of health and were at least 8 weeks 


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remote from experiencing an acute painful crisis. Samples were also collected at the end of study 
when patients were at least 8 weeks remote from experiencing an acute painful crisis or blood 
transfusion. Blood samples obtained by routine phlebotomy were anticoagulated in sodium citrate 
containing tubes and processed within 2 hours of collection to prepare platelet-free-plasma in a 
two-step centrifugation technique. Supernatant plasma thus obtained was stored at −80°C until 
analysis using a commercially available ELISA method to detect soluble P-selectin. 
 
 
 
 
B a s e lin e
E O S
0
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
P -S e le c tin  (n g /m L )
M e a n :   2 9 .7 9          2 8 .6 9
S D :       8 .4 0 9          8 .4 1 3
B a s e lin e
E O S
B a s e lin e
E O S
0
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
P -S e le c tin  (n g /m L )
<  6  m o n th s
>  6  m o n th s
M e a n :   3 1 .3 6
2 8 .2 9      2 7 .8 6
2 9 .1 9
S D :         7 .7
9 .1          9 .1
7 .8
B a s e lin e
E O S
0
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
6 0
P -S e le c tin  (n g /m L )
N = 2 9
A )
B )
C )
 
 
Figure 4. A) P-Selectin measurements at Baseline and End of Study (EOS) stages in patients with SCD, B) P-
selectin measurement comparison between two different groups of SCD patients: < 6 months between Baseline and 
EOS sampling (n=16) and >6 months between Baseline and EOS sampling (n=13) C) Paired test between the 
amount of P-Selectin at Baseline and EOS sampling. No significant differences were observed, Wilcoxon test, P 
value > 0.05, N=29.  
 
 


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2.3 
RISK/BENEFIT ASSESSMENT 
2.3.1 Known Potential Risks 
Quercetin is commonly consumed by humans as it is naturally present in a wide variety of fruits 
and vegetables, especially apples and onions. According to Querces Pharmaceuticals AG 
documentation, the background consumption of quercetin from naturally occurring sources is 5.9 
mg/p/d (0.1 mg/kg bw/d) and 14.7 mg/p/d (0.25 mg/kg bw/d) at the mean and 90th percentile, 
respectively, for the total U.S. population, with a maximum intake value of 258 mg/p/d (4.3 
mg/kg bw/d).  
 
There is extensive literature on the beneficial effects of Quercetin in animal models, and multiple 
lines of non-clinical data suggest that it should be well tolerated in human subjects. Moreover, 
published and unpublished information support the safety of quercetin including absorption, 
distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) studies; acute, subchronic, and chronic 
toxicity studies; carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity studies; 
pharmacokinetic studies; and finally, human clinical and epidemiological studies. From all of the 
available toxicology studies in multiple species, there is an apparent lack of significant adverse 
systemic toxicity. The overall lack of in vivo toxicity of quercetin is consistent with its known 
metabolic fate; specifically, its extensive microbial degradation in the gastrointestinal tract of 
both animals and humans, followed by methylation, oxidation and conjugative metabolic 
processes that occur in the liver and kidneys and eventual elimination through the bile, feces, and 
urine. A two-year toxicity and carcinogenicity study in rats by the National Toxicology Program 
(NTP) was pivotal in establishing safety of this agent and the no observed adverse effect level for 
this study was approximately 2200 mg/kg bw/d (highest dose tested) 137. 
 
Published human clinical studies, including a study with levels up to 1000 mg/d (16 mg/kg bw/d) 
for 12 weeks, showed that quercetin supplementation was safe and did not majorly influence on 
several measures of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity 138. The weight-of-the-evidence 
from toxicological safety studies, human clinical studies corroborating epidemiological studies, 
together with recent human pharmacokinetic studies, demonstrates that quercetin is safe for 
intended use as a supplement. Based on the information provided by Querces AG, as well as 
other information available to FDA, the agency accepted the conclusion that quercetin is 
generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under the intended conditions of use.  
 
Isoquercetin (IQ), a flavonoid quercetin, has also completed clinical trials in healthy individuals 
and cancer patients 9,14. Adverse effects reported in these trials include gastrointestinal effects 
such as nausea, reflux, constipation, diarrhea and rare reports of headache and mild tingling of 
the extremities. In the Phase 2 study conducted in cancer patients, two patients had epistaxis and 
mild bruising (both grade 1) that were possibly related to IQ 14. There has been no grade 3 and 
grade 4 toxicity associated with IQ treatment in either of these two published human studies.   
 
In summary, careful analysis of the available information on IQ does not reveal any potential 
serious toxicity that would preclude its use in SCD subjects. Given the safety and tolerability of 
IQ in published human studies9,138, and the favorable experience with IQ in a published Phase 


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II study in cancer patients14 discussed in Background section, we anticipate that testing an 
identical dose of IQ to that currently investigated in other active clinical studies would not pose 
any undue risk in SCD patients. 
 
The only tests and procedures done under this study are blood draws, peripheral arterial 
tonometry and urine collection.  The individual study procedure risks are listed below. 
 
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) (ENDO-PAT 2000, Itamar Medical):  
The use of peripheral arterial tonometry is not associated with any known adverse effects. After the 
procedure, the patient may experience bruising due to microcapillary bursts in their arm – these marks 
should disappear within a week. 
Phlebotomy: Standard precautions for obtaining human blood samples will be taken. Transient 
discomfort and minor bruising may occur at the phlebotomy site.  Vasovagal symptoms can 
occur during blood drawing.  Blood samples will be obtained by venipuncture. The quantities of 
blood to be drawn for research purposes will be less than 550 
ml, which is consistent with the CC policy as provided in Medical Administrative Series (MAS) 
95-9 (revised 5/29/12): for adults, no more than 10.5 mL/kg/ or 550 mL (whichever is smaller) 
will be drawn for research purposes over any 8 week period.  
 
Once blood samples will be drawn, the samples designated for platelet free plasma (PFP) 
preparation (Biochemicals studies, coagulation studies, contact pathway), and platelet 
aggregation assays should be processed within 2 hours after phlebotomy. The samples 
designated for red blood cell studies and leukocytes isolationcan be processed greater than 2 
hours after phlebotomy. . 
 
Urine Collection: There are no known risks to those collections. 
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS): In general, commercial NIR tissue oximetry devices that use similar 
light energy levels have been cleared by the FDA and are classified as “minimal risk.” The current research 
DOS instrument is a type of NIR oximetry instrument that employs comparable levels of NIR light to 
conventional FDA-cleared clinical instruments. Although DOS has advanced capabilities for quantitative 
tissue measurements that make it a research tool, the safety/effectiveness of the device is NOT being 
evaluated in this study nor will the data generated be used to support an FDA application for research or a 
marketing permit. 
 
There are no risks associated with the use of near infrared light as it has been described in this protocol. 
The amount of optical energy is too low to cause appreciable tissue heating. Temporary pain or paresthesias 
may occur during the approximately 3-5 minute blood pressure cuff inflation. The vascular occlusion 
challenge may also result in redness or minor bruising of the limb due to cuff inflation. This occlusion is a 
standard test that is performed in many hemodynamic assessments, such as in the case of peripheral vascular 
disease. At the NIH Clinical Center, previous studies (including 07-H-0196 and 12-H-0101) have used 5-
minute brachial artery occlusions in combination with non-invasive imaging modalities without reporting 
significant safety issues. Subjects will be monitored closely for any concerning signs and symptoms during 
the occlusion challenge, and if there are any concerns for safety or if subjects experience significant 
discomfort, the occlusions will be released immediately. 


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2.3.2 Known Potential Benefits 
In this supplement study, the prospect of direct benefit is modest. Clinical benefit relates to a 
lowered risk for thrombogenesis if soluble P-selectin and tissue factor activity are reduced as 
hypothesized. These benefits are more likely to be seen in those patients with VTE or are at 
greatest risk for developing VTE. 
 
2.3.3 Assessment of Potential Risks and Benefits 
The risks of the study supplement and the minor procedures included in this protocol are 
minimal and justified by the potential benefit of expanding our understanding of how flavonoid 
anti-oxidants may play a role in the thrombotic vascular pathobiology of SCD and at the same 
time employing strategies to minimize the bleeding risk posed by traditional anticoagulation 
treatments. This supplement has been employed at the same dose proposed in this study without 
any reported adverse effects.  
 
 
 


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3 OBJECTIVES AND ENDPOINTS 
 Table:1  
OBJECTIVES 
ENDPOINTS 
JUSTIFICATION FOR 
ENDPOINTS 
Primary 
 
 
 
Evaluate the effect of IQ on 
thrombo-inflammatory markers 
 
The primary outcome will be the change 
in the plasma soluble P-selectin level 
comparing the baseline to IQ response. 
IQ blunts soluble P-selectin and SCD 
subjects exhibit elevated soluble P-
selectin levels, which is a consistent 
inflammatory signature of this disease. 
Exploratory  
 
 
 
Explore whether other thrombo-
inflammatory biomarkers linked 
to steady state SCD are affected 
by administration of IQ. 
1) Compare baseline and end of study 
plasma protein disulfide isomerase 
activity 
2) Quantify baseline and end of study 
plasma 
tissue 
factor 
positive 
extracellular vesicle number  
3) Compare baseline and end of study 
tissue factor procoagulant activity 
4) Compare baseline and end of study 
platelet thrombin generation 
5) Compare baseline and end of study 
inflammatory cytokines 
6) Compare baseline and end of study 
plasma D-Dimer, TAT and PF1.2 
7) Compare contemporary biomarkers 
of 
vascular 
function 
and 
atherothrombosis 
obtained 
at 
baseline and end of study  
8) Assess safety and tolerability of IQ 
9) Assess adherence to oral IQ 
The primary driver of 
hypercoagulability appears to be 
endothelial and monocyte derived 
tissue factor in SCD, however, other 
cells (platelets and sRBCs) are linked 
to thrombo-inflammatory signals by 
the innate immune system and 
complement that can trigger 
proinflammatory pathways. 
We will explore the effect of IQ on 
modulating the intersecting pathways 
of inflammation and coagulation as 
exploratory end points. 
Simultaneously, we will evaluate 
safety of intervention and adherence. 
 


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4 STUDY DESIGN 
4.1 
OVERALL DESIGN 
This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study 
where the thrombo-inflammatory profile of steady state SCD subjects will be studied at baseline 
and following 4 weeks of treatment with IQ or placebo. The allocation of IQ: placebo will be 1:1.  
The screening visit will be used to determine initial eligibility to the protocol.  Final subject 
eligibility will be confirmed on day 0 just prior to receipt of IQ or placebo.  day 0 will be adjusted 
if any changes to patient eligibility occur after screening.  If there is a change in eligibility and the 
subject will not meet the requirements within 90 days of the screening visit, the subject will be 
removed from study and may rescreen if/when eligibility criteria is met. 
All subjects who have completed screening and have met all inclusion criteria and do not have any 
exclusion criteria on Day 0 of the start of the study drug will receive 28 days + 7days of IQ or 
placebo.  Research parameters at the end of the study will be compared to baseline to determine 
the effects of this intervention. Research blood samples and atherothrombotic risk measures to 
monitor primary and exploratory study end points will be obtained during baseline after enrollment 
(Day 0, visit #2) and after 4 weeks exposure to IQ/placebo (D28, visit #3). 
. 
SCD patients will be defined as being in the “steady state” if they report clinical symptoms to be 
their baseline and are at least 60 days remote from an acute “crisis”. Adapting from the Multicenter 
Study of Hydroxyurea trial 139, a crisis will consist of “a visit to a medical facility for acute pain 
that has no evident cause other than SCD, for which the patient requires hospital attention, either 
as in- or out-patient, and is treated with parenteral narcotics”. Patients receiving hydroxyurea as 
disease modifying therapy must have been on the same dose for at least 90 days to be defined as 
“stable”.  
To adhere to the intention-to-treat principle, for every patient that is randomized, we will attempt 
to obtain 28-day endpoint measurements despite occurrence of expected and/or unexpected events 
due to the underlying disease that may influence biomarker end points. Therefore, in the event of 
their  occurrence, clinical SCD related complications will be handled as described below:  
 Study participants experiencing “acute pain crisis” < 7 days of initiating 
drug or placebo will be instructed to discontinue their study drug. These 
participants will not resume study drug but the research team will attempt 
to obtain their 28-day endpoint measurement. 
 
Study participants experiencing stroke or acute chest syndrome requiring 
exchange transfusion during the 28-day study drug treatment window will 
discontinue study drug. These participants will not resume study drug but 
the research team will attempt to obtain their 28-day endpoint 
measurement. 
 Study participants experiencing an “acute pain crisis” between 7 - 28 days 
of treatment with either drug or placebo will continue treatment and 
complete end of study activities according to the protocol. 


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 Study participants experiencing VTE or an acute febrile illness (fever 
101°F, requiring admission to the hospital and IV antibiotic treatment) 
and/or require simple transfusion during the 28-day study drug will 
continue study drug treatment and complete end of study activities 
according to the protocol. 
 
 At any time, the investigator may suspend the study medication for 
reasons related to safety or tolerability. 
 
 For patients who are unable to provide a 28-day end of study measurement 
see section 9.4.6. 
 
 
 
 
4.2 
SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE FOR STUDY DESIGN 
This is a pilot phase II study and the number of subjects was chosen to provide good statistical 
power to detect a 25-30% reduction in plasma soluble P-selectin, a clinically meaningful 
thrombo-prophylactic benefit, similar to that observed in cancer patients (see power analysis in 
section 9). Such an effect would simultaneously offer the potential to explore the effects of PDI 
inhibition on post-translational regulatory control of TF. A parallel group double blind placebo-
controlled study would be the most effective study design in which to enroll and complete the 
subject group in the proposed protocol with minimal risk for study withdrawal due to frequent 
acute painful crises. 
 
4.3 
JUSTIFICATION FOR DOSE 
Investigators at Harvard University, Massachusetts previously reported that oral administration 
of 1000 mg IQ once daily to healthy adults, was well tolerated, readily absorbed, and detectable 
in human plasma [the measured peak plasma quercetin concentration (9.2 μM) exceeded its IC50 
for inhibition of PDI by IQ in vitro (2.5 ± 0.4 μM)]9. The same group of investigators recently 
published a phase II clinical trial of IQ at two doses (500 mg and 1000 mg once daily) to 
evaluate its effects on preventing thrombosis in cancer patients14. In this study, IQ (1000 
mg/day) achieved optimal plasma PDI inhibition (73.3% median change in PDI inhibitory 
activity) and lowered soluble P-selectin levels (-58% % median change, P <0.001), with no 
detectable toxicity. However, the 500-mg dose failed to achieve a significant reduction in soluble 
P-selectin in cancer patients (-0.3%, P=0.26)14. Taken together, these data suggest that 1000 mg 
of IQ once daily is an optimal starting point to evaluate restoration of perturbed thrombo-
inflammatory processes in SCD patients. 
 


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5 STUDY POPULATION 
5.1 
INCLUSION CRITERIA 
For enrollment onto the active phase of the study (IQ supplement vs placebo), subjects must 
meet all of the following criteria during the screening period (visit #1) which can last from 0-28 
days prior to start of study intervention: 
5.1.1 
Unequivocal diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (HbSS or HbSß0thal or  HbSß+thal or 
HbSC) confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis performed on patients at least 
90 days after a blood transfusion if previously transfused, or DNA genotyping. 
5.1.2 
Age  18-70 years old 
5.1.3 
Steady state SCD (no acute vaso-occlusive crisis within 60 days of D0 of the 
study) and if on HU therapy, on an optimized dose  for at least 30 days. For those 
newly initiated on HU therapy, the dose should be unchanged for at least 90 days 
5.1.4 
Be willing to comply with all study procedures for the duration of the study.  
5.1.5 
Have provided signed written informed consent prior to performing any study 
procedure, including screening procedures. 
 
5.2 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
Subjects who meet any of the following criteria during screening will not receive the 
study intervention and will be counted toward study accrual. Screen failures will not be 
included in the analysis for statistical purposes: 
 
5.2.1 
SCD with a recent VOC (<60 days from D0 of study). 
 
5.2.2 
SCD with history of recent blood transfusion (<60 days from D0 of study) or 
exchange transfusion (<90 days from D0 of study).  
 
5.2.3 
SCD with a recent VTE (within 90 days of diagnosis of either DVT, PE or both). 
 
5.2.4 
Any patient receiving crizanlizumab therapy for SCD or that has received 
crizanlizumab within the past 30 days of D0 of study.     
 
5.2.5 
Have a significant medical condition that confers an unacceptable risk to 
participating in the study, and/or that could confound the interpretation of the 
study data. Such significant medical conditions include, but are not limited to the 
following:  
a. History of recent (within 3 months prior to signing informed consent) 
congestive heart failure; myocardial infarction or unstable angina 
pectoris; hemorrhagic, embolic, or thrombotic stroke. 


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b. Active infection requiring the use of parenteral antimicrobial agents or 
Grade ≥3 in severity (per National Cancer Institute Common 
Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0) within 2 months prior to 
the first dose of study drug. 
c. Active viral infection as evidenced by testing positive for hepatitis B 
surface antigen or hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (Ab) with signs of 
active hepatitis B or C virus infection. If the subject is positive for HCV 
Ab, a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test will be 
conducted. Subjects with hepatitis C may be rescreened after receiving 
appropriate hepatitis C treatment. 
d. Testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1 or 2 Ab 
with evidence for ongoing active infection (i.e., CD4 count <400/µL and 
viral load >100,000 copies/mL) on antiretroviral therapy. 
e. Active acute inflammatory disorders rheumatoid arthritis or systemic 
lupus erythematosus on disease modifying therapy. 
f. Diabetes mellitus judged to be under poor control by the Investigator 
evidenced by a single fasting sugar value >250 gm/dl or requiring >3 
antidiabetic agents, including insulin (all insulins are considered 1 
agent); use of insulin per se is not exclusionary. 
g. History of any primary malignancy, with the exception of curatively 
treated nonmelanomatous skin cancer; curatively treated cervical or 
breast carcinoma in situ; or other primary tumor treated with curative 
intent, no known active disease present, and no treatment administered 
during the last 3 years. 
h. Any injury or medical condition  that, in the  judgement of the 
Investigator.would prevent the subject from participating in the study 
 
5.2.6 
Have a prior bone marrow or stem cell transplant. 
 
5.3 
INCLUSION OF VULNERABLE PARTICIPANTS 
Vulnerable subjects will not be included in this study. 
5.4 
LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS 
During this study, participants are asked to: 
• Refrain from making major changes in dietary intake or physical activity during the 6 
weeks of active study participation.  


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5.5 
SCREEN FAILURES 
Screen failures are defined as participants who consent to participate in the clinical trial but are 
not subsequently assigned to the study intervention.  These subjects will sign consent and will 
receive a study ID. 
Individuals who do not meet criteria for participation based on an abnormal clinical history or 
laboratory test result may be rescreened if warranted, with assignment of a new participant ID 
number from the initial screening. 
 
5.6 
STRATEGIES FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION 
Subjects with steady state sickle cell disease will be recruited from the sickle cell clinic at the 
NIH CC. We will also recruit subjects through NIH using traditional recruitment methods such 
as referrals from other protocols, outside physician referral and self-referral. 
The study may opt to use the following strategies for recruitment of patients: 
• ClinicalTrials.gov website 
• Clinical Center Research Studies (“Search the Studies”) website 
• Sickle Cell Anemia Research Fund website 
• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) patient recruitment website 
• Twitter messages and chats with study investigators 
• Facebook Posts 
• Google AdWords 
• Use of Clinical Center Office of Patient Recruitment services including creation and 
distribution of study flyers and information through pre-existing recruitment avenues 
such as the NIH recruitment listserv. 
The DIR Patient Recruitment Office (PRO) will work with study investigators to ensure accrual 
goals are being met.  All recruitment materials and tools will use IRB-approved language and 
information to include standard recruitment contacts. 
We expect to screen up to 60 subjects to enroll 46 eligible study participants. 
5.6.1 Costs 
There will be no anticipated costs that the subject will be responsible for.  
5.6.2 Compensation 
Subjects will be compensated for some of the procedures that are performed at the NIH since they 
may not provide direct benefit to the subject.  They will be compensated by check or direct deposit 
at the end of the study or at the time of study withdrawal for the procedures completed.  Payment 
will typically be received within 2 months of the last study visit.  
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Procedures 
Inconvenience 
Units 
Compensation 
per procedure 
Frequency Total 
Compensation 
Outpatient visit ($20 first hour, $10 
each additional hour) 
4 hrs 
$50 
3 
$150 
Medical History and physical 
2.5  
$35 
3 
$105 
Research Blood Draw 
6 
$60 
2 
$120 
Labs 
5 
$50 
2 
$100 
ENDO-PAT (optional) 
1 
$50 
2 
$100 
NIRS (optional) 
1 
$50 
2 
$100 
24-hour Dietary Recall 
1 
$15 
3 
$45 
Phone call 
1 
$10 
1 
$10 
Compliance incentive ($200) All 
$200 
Total Compensation: 
$ 930 
 
 
Reimbursement for local travel will be provided. We will reimburse for car mileage up to 30 miles 
each way. We will also reimburse for train and bus.   
Reimbursement for food and lodging will not be provided. 
 
6 STUDY INTERVENTION 
6.1 STUDY INTERVENTIONS(S) ADMINISTRATION 
6.1.1 Study Intervention Description 
The study will use the dietary supplement IQ or a placebo capsule. IQ is a derivative of the 
commercially available form of flavonoid Quercetins, small-molecule inhibitors of PDI that block 
thrombus formation. Considering that the clinical investigation is designed to study the 
relationship between a dietary supplement’s effect on structure or function in humans or to 
characterize the mechanism by which a dietary supplement acts to maintain such structure or 
function, this study would not need to be conducted under an IND. However, the IQ formulation 
proposed for use is not marketed in the United States and is manufactured overseas by Querces 
AG.  Moreover, the dose proposed for the clinical investigation (1000 mg) is higher than the dose 
for which it is marketed as a dietary supplement (250 mg). Thus, this study will be conducted 
under an IND.  


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6.1.2 Dosing and Administration 
Subjects will take four capsules by mouth (250 mg IQ or identically formulated placebo) once 
daily for a total of 4 weeks (+ up to 7 days if needed).  
 6.1.3 Dose Escalation 
N/A 
6.1.4 Dose Limiting Toxicity 
N/A 
6.1.5 Dose Modifications 
IQ is not expected to result in any protocol-related SAEs.  Therefore, no dose modifications are 
planned. 
6.1.6 Drug Administration 
Subjects will take four capsules by mouth (250 mg IQ or identically formulated placebo) once 
daily for a total of 28 days (+7 days if needed).  Capsules must be taken whole and may be taken 
with or without food. The capsules should be taken at a fixed time in the morning (e.g. 9.00AM 
according to subject convenience).  If a dose is missed and it is more than 6 hours before the next 
dose is due, then the dose can be taken.  If a dose is missed and it is less than 6 hours before the 
dose is due, then the dose should be skipped.   
 
6.2 
PREPARATION/HANDLING/STORAGE/ACCOUNTABILITY  
6.2.1 Acquisition and Accountability 
Both IQ and placebo will be obtained from Querces AG.  Product will be stored and dispensed 
by the NIH CC Pharmacy.  Unused product will be returned to the clinical center and destroyed. 
6.2.2 Formulation, Appearance, Packaging, and Labeling   
Common name:  Isoquercetin 
Product name:  Isoquercetin 
Chemical name:  Quercetin-3-glucoside 
Daily dose:  1000 mg x 4 wk 
Route of administration:  oral 
Dosing instructions:  1000 mg (4 capsules of 250 mg) once daily  
Supply:  Supplements will be obtained from Querces AG. 
Toxicology:  None known 
Drug Interactions:  None known 
The capsules will be put into individual bottles, labeled and dispensed by the NIH Clinical 
Center pharmacy.  The label will include at a minimum the study ID and instructions for taking 
the supplement or placebo.  
Each 250-mg capsule contains ascorbic acid (62 mg) and niacin (5 mg) to prevent oxidation 
during storage and has previously been shown to not influence IQ pharmacokinetics.  


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The placebo will be manufactured and supplied by Querces AG to match the active supplement 
and additives.  
 
6.2.3 Product Storage and Stability 
IQ and placebo will be stored in the pharmacy at room temperature in light restricted containers. 
 
6.2.4 Preparation 
N/A 
6.3 
MEASURES TO MINIMIZE BIAS: RANDOMIZATION AND BLINDING 
Patients will be randomized in a block randomization scheme with block sizes of 2 and 4 
randomly generated by an unblinded study statistician who is not the primary statistician for the 
study. In this double-blind study, the clinical study team and primary statistician will be blinded 
to the randomization assignments until enrollment is complete and the assays performed for 
assessment of the primary endpoint. Isoquercetin and placebo will be supplied in identical 
formulations to allow blinded administration.  
The investigator will not be provided with randomization codes. The codes will be maintained 
with the NIH Pharmacy, which has the functionality to allow the investigator the break the 
blinded allocation for an individual subject. 
Under normal circumstances, the blind should not be broken until completion of the study or if 
the Independent Data Safety Committee Board (DSMB) makes a recommendation for unblinding 
that is accepted by the PI. 
6.4 
STUDY INTERVENTION ADHERENCE 
Study capsule adherence will be monitored using patient report in the form of a capsule diary and 
capsule counts performed by the research team during Visit 3.   
6.5 
CONCOMITANT THERAPY 
Excepting folic acid, subjects should not take any other multivitamins or supplements for the 
duration of the study. 
It is recommended patients take folic acid, at least 1mg PO daily while taking the study 
supplement, IQ. For patients in which folic acid is not part of their SCD management, a 30-day 
supply of 1 mg of folic acid will be prescribed, to be taken once daily. Upon study enrolment and 
randomization, subjects will initiate folic acid with IQ and discontinue it at the end of the study. 
Subject will be asked if they were adherent to folic acid but a formal pill count will not be 
performed.  


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7 STUDY INTERVENTION DISCONTINUATION AND PARTICIPANT 
DISCONTINUATION/WITHDRAWAL   
7.1 
DISCONTINUATION OF STUDY INTERVENTION 
The supplement has a good safety record and we do not expect any significant adverse events. A 
DSMB will evaluate safety trial data based on the below triggers and if warranted, may 
recommend modification or even termination of this protocol. Stopping rules follow a Bayesian 
design. The stopping rule is designed to halt enrollment for further evaluation of study data by 
the safety committee and determination whether enrollment can continue, or the study should be 
modified or terminated. A Bayesian posterior probability will be calculated to determine the 
likelihood the probability of having a qualifying adverse event is 25% or more.  
Qualifying AEs/SAEs for the stopping rule will be counted only in the Isoquercetin arm (and not 
in the placebo arm), will be monitored for reaching the stopping boundary by the unblinded 
statistician, and are any of the following three types of events: 
• 
Any Grade ≥3 treatment related SAE (these include acute painful crises that are probably 
related to the intervention), 
• 
Grade 4 bleeding, related to Isoquercetin , 
• 
Any non-hematological AE Grade ≥ 3 related to IQ  
 
7.2 
PARTICIPANT DISCONTINUATION/WITHDRAWAL FROM THE STUDY 
Participants are free to withdraw from participation in the study at any time upon request. 
An investigator may discontinue or withdraw a participant from the study for the following 
reasons: 
1) Subject taking less than 75% of their capsules 
2) Subject found to be pregnant or wishes to breastfeed during the study will automatically 
be withdrawn 
3) Subject found to be taking or electing to take multivitamins or supplements while on 
study supplement, Isoquercetin. This does not include folic acid.  
4) If subject no longer wishes to participate 
5) Per PI discretion, for development of a SCD related complication that does not permit 
study participation.  
  
Prior to removal from study, any subject who has started the study intervention should complete 
a safety assessment phone call.  If a subject requests withdrawal early for any reason, we will 
make every effort to have them complete an unscheduled safety assessment phone call and a 


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clinic visit if indicated. Subjects experiencing side effects during the 28-day Isoquercetin/placebo 
treatment may have a clinic visit during the study.   
The reason for participant discontinuation or withdrawal from the study will be recorded in the 
source document. Subjects who sign the informed consent form and are randomized but do not 
receive the study intervention may be replaced.  Subjects who sign the informed consent form, 
and are randomized and receive the study intervention, and subsequently withdraw, or are 
withdrawn or discontinued from the study, will be counted toward the accrual ceiling of 46. 
Randomization will continue until either the accrual ceiling of 46 is reached. 
 
7.3 
LOST TO FOLLOW-UP 
A participant will be considered lost to follow-up if he or she fails to return for the scheduled 
visits and is unable to be contacted by the study site staff.  
The following actions must be taken if a participant fails to return to the clinic for a required 
study visit: 
• The site will attempt to contact the participant and reschedule the missed visit to another 
day within 7 days of the scheduled visit,  and counsel the participant on the importance of 
maintaining the assigned visit schedule and ascertain if the participant wishes to and/or 
should continue in the study.  If the visit cannot be rescheduled within the 7 day 
timeframe, then the patient will be considered lost to follow-up.  
• Before a participant is deemed lost to follow-up, the investigator or designee will make 
every effort to regain contact with the participant (where possible, 3 attempts at contact) 
These contact attempts should be documented in the participant’s medical record or study 
file.  
• Should the participant continue to be unreachable, he or she will be considered to have 
withdrawn from the study with a primary reason of lost to follow-up. 
 
8 STUDY ASSESSMENTS AND PROCEDURES 
8.1 
SCREENING PROCEDURES 
 
Screening activities performed prior to obtaining informed consent 
Minimal risk activities that may be performed before the subject has signed a consent include the 
following: 
• Email, written, in person or telephone communications with prospective subjects 
• Review of existing medical records to include H&P, laboratory studies, etc. 
 
Once the research team has identified a potential subject for the study, the subject will be asked to 
come to the NIH.  The study team will consent the subject, allowing time for the subjects to ask 
questions and make a voluntary decision. 
 


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Once the subject signs the consent, the following tests will be done at the Screening Visit unless 
any of the tests have been performed under another NIH protocol 90 day prior to signing the 
consent (unless otherwise stated). 
 
Screening Visit: 
o History and physical exam including prior transfusion history 
o CBC with differential 
o  Reticulocyte count 
o Acute care panel, Mineral panel, Hepatic panel, total protein, creatinine 
kinase, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase 
o Calculated creatinine clearance 
o Serum HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV 
o Coagulation screen (PT/INR, PTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer) 
o Pregnancy test (serum or urine) for female subjects and use of barrier 
methods of contraception for male subjects 
o Hemoglobin electrophoresis 
 
Up to 60 subject will sign consent to be screened with the goal of enrolling 46 subjects eligible to 
participate in the interventional portion of the study.  
 
8.2 
STUDY EVALUATION PROCECURES 
Study Procedures will be conducted per table in section 1.3 (SOA) and are described below.  The 
effectiveness of IQ in reducing P-selectin levels will be assessed as described in section 9. 
Physical examinaton and medication history:  
A physical examination, review of medication history, and review of available laboratory tests 
may be completed on each subject. Medical records obtained under other protocols may also be 
reviewed. Vital signs and biophysical data (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, 
temperature, height, and weight) may also be collected at each visit. These measurements will be 
made per NIH Clinical Center policies.  
Optional exploratory studies of peripheral arterial tonometry and/or NIRS will based on service 
availability and  may be conducted in patients that agree to this procedure.   
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) (ENDO-PAT 2000, Itamar Medical):  
PAT is an FDA-approved noninvasive technology that captures a beat-to-beat plethysmographic 
recording of the finger arterial pulse wave activity with pneumatic probes, which provides a 
measure of endothelial function, similar to that of brachial artery ultrasound (BAUS) assessment 
of flow mediated dilation.  It is claimed that this method is highly automated, consistent, and 
operator independent. 
The PAT finger probe consists of a thimble-shaped sensor cap that imparts a uniform pressure 
fields and exhibits a clamp-like effect on the entire surface of the distal phalanx and measures 
pulsatile volume changes.  PAT applies a significant counter pressure (70 mmHg) on the digit to 
avoid distal venous distention, thereby inhibiting venous pooling and blood stasis, which could 
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Near  Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS):a. Additional non-invasive studies relating to muscle 
physiology, tissue oxygenation and blood flowmay also be assessed using near infrared 
spectroscopy (NIRS) methodologies. The red to nearinfrared (NIR) part of the electromagnetic 
spectrum (600 to 1000 nm) allows photons to penetrate a few centimeters below the surface of the 
skin. These photons are non-ionizing and do not induce local heat. There are numerous FDA 
cleared clinical instruments in wide use that employ NIR light for non-invasive muscle and brain 
tissue oximetry. Quantitative optical spectroscopy in the NIR allows for safe, non-invasive 
measurements of the concentrations of blood, water, and lipids in tissues.Caliper measurements 
are used to measure the thickness of the skin to approximate tissue depth. We will use a number 
of different NIRS technologies to precisely and accurately characterize tissue metabolism, 
composition, and perfusion in subjects with SCD. These technologies, used in combination with 
non-invasive perturbations to evaluate vascular health (vascular occlusion challenge and 
respiratory challenge), are described below: 
 
b. Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Imaging (DOSI): DOSI is a progression on continuous-wave 
NIRS techniques that utilizes a frequency-modulated light source that allows for quantitative 
measurement of blood, water, and lipid concentrations in tissues. DOSI requires more advanced 
hardware than traditional NIRS techniques but is similarly safe and non-invasive. 
 
c. pocketNIRS: This is a portable NIRS device developed by Hamamatsu Photonics in 
conjunction with the Tromberg lab. pocketNIRS consists of a control unit and 2 probes with 3 light 
emitting diodes (740nm, 800nm, 850nm) and can be controlled via cell phone. It measures changes 
in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin and also gives absolute measurement 
of tissue saturation. 
 
d. Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI): (LSI is a NIRS technology that is sensitive to flow. LSI consists 
of a coherent non-collimated light source (typically 785 nm) and a camera that images the 
illuminated tissue area. When biological tissue is illuminated with coherent light, an interference 
pattern will be formed at the detector, known as a speckle pattern. Blood flow speed affects the 
pattern captured by the camera and characterizing these changes in the pattern allows for a 
measurement of blood flow in the skin microvasculature. 
 
e. Affixed Transmission Speckle Analysis (ATSA) (trade name: FlowMet-R): FlowMet is the 
contact, transmission based equivalent of LSI. Within this device, the source and detector are on 
opposite sides of the finger. Light that shines through the finger or toe is picked up by the camera 
on the other side. Blood flow speed affects the pattern captured by the camera. Characterizing 
these changes in the pattern allows for a measurement of arterial blood flow within the finger or 
toe. 
 
f. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS): DCS uses a 785 nm coherent light source with a 
detector some distance away. DCS measures the temporal fluctuations of near-infrared (NIR) light 
to measure flow in the microvasculature at a single point. 
 
g. PeriFlux 6000 for microcirculatory blood flow assessments: The PeriFlux System 6000 device 
will be used for measuring microcirculatory blood flow and oxygenation in the limb and poses a 


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non-significant risk. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) 
have been successfully integrated enabling accurate measurements of blood flow and oxygenation 
in the microcirculation. A dedicated fiber-optic probe that integrates the DRS and LDF modalities 
is required as well as an external light source. 
 
h. Vascular Occlusion Challenge: Subjects will not have any active role in this challenge. A 
standard blood pressure cuff will be placed upon the limb (arm or leg) to be studied. Subjects may 
be asked to lie on a gurney or reclining chair for comfort and to keep the occluded limb stable. A 
DOS probe will be placed on the limb, and continuous measurements using the NIRS 
methodologies described above will be taken throughout the challenge. Additional optical probes 
may be placed on other tissue sites, such as the forehead or non-occluded limb. The FlowMet may 
be used on one of the fingertip/toe in order to monitor blood flow. If the subject does not tolerate 
limb cuff inflation, we may instead switch to performing a vascular occlusion challeng on the 
finger using a finger-sized cuff instead. 
 
i. Respiratory Challenge: Subjects will be asked to a) pace their breathing according to a specific 
metronome-controlled rate or b) hold their breath for as long as they are able. Participants may be 
asked to lie on a gurney or reclining chair for comfort and to aid in reducing motion artifacts in 
data. An optical probe will be placed on at least one tissue site and will collect data continuously 
during paced breathing. To better understand how muscle oxygenation and blood volume changes 
during this challenge, additional optical probes may be placed over the top of other tissue sites 
(e.g. shin bone, abdominal adipose tissue, forehead, etc.). Data from these additional locations 
does not increase the risk to participants and only adds more physiological context to data from 
muscle locations. 
 
8.2.2 Biospecimen Evaluations 
Biological specimen collection and laboratory evaluations. In addition to the clinical blood 
samples, subject will have research bloods drawn within the blood withdrawal volume limits 
established by the Clinical Center.  RBC structure and functional studies, Flow cytometry, 
Platelet studies, RNAseq, Immunoblotting, and cytokine profiling may be performed.   
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Table of samples to collect at baseline and end of study (2 visits)  
Test/assay 
Volume 
blood 
(approx.) 
Type of 
tube 
Collection point 
(+/- 72hrs) 
Location of 
specimen analysis 
Routine*  
• 
Hepatic, Mineral 
and Acute care 
panel 
• 
LDH, T. protein, 
CK, uric acid 
• 
C-reactive protein 
• 
B-type natriuretic 
peptide 
• 
Beta HCG (Female 
only) 
 
 
 
 
4 mL 
 
 
 
 
LtGrnPSTGel 
(GLT) tube 
 
 
 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
 
 
Clinical Lab 
Routine* 
• 
CBC 
• 
Reticulocyte count 
• 
HPLC for Hb 
electrophoresis 
• 
Direct antiglobulin 
test (DAT) 
 
 
9ml 
(3 tubes) 
 
 
EDTA tube 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
Clinical Lab 
Routine* 
• 
PT 
• 
PTT 
• 
INR 
• 
Fibrinogen 
• 
D-dimer 
 
 
3ml 
 
 
3.8% Sodium 
Citrate 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
Clinical Lab 
Biochemical studies** 
• 
Soluble P-selectin 
• 
Plasma PDI activity 
assay 
Protein Carbonylation 
state (Western Blot) 
 
 
3 ml 
 
 
3.8% Sodium 
Citrate 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
NHLBI Sickle Cell 
Branch, Sickle 
Thrombosis Lab 
 
 
Coagulation studies** 
• 
Microparticles/EVs 
• 
Prothrombin fragment 
F1.2, Thrombin anti-
thrombin complexes 
(TAT) 
 
 
3 ml 
(1 tube) 
 
 
3.8% Sodium 
Citrate 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
NHLBI Sickle Cell 
Branch, Sickle 
Thrombosis Lab 


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*Tests necessary for routine care of patient with sickle cell disease.  
**Research blood samples to be collected at baseline during study enrollment and during follow 
up.  
 
8.2.3 Correlative Studies for Research/Pharmacokinetic Studies 
N/A 
8.2.4 Samples for Genetic/Genomic Analysis 
The mononuclear cell fraction will be isolated and stored for gene expression and RNAseq 
specifically looking at tissue factor expression in monocytes and gene variants involving 
thrombo-inflammatory pathways (P-selectin and the complement). 
 
 
Red Blood Cell studies** 
• 
Deformability 
• 
Oxygenscan 
• 
Aggregation 
• 
ROS production 
• 
PS and PDI exposure 
and distribution 
(FACS) 
 
 
6 ml 
(2 tubes) 
 
 
EDTA tube 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
NHLBI Sickle Cell 
Branch, Sickle 
Thrombosis Lab 
Platelet function tests** 
• 
Studies of platelet 
aggregation and platelet 
dependent thrombin 
generation 
 
6 ml 
(2 tubes) 
 
3.8% Sodium 
Citrate 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
NHLBI Sickle Cell 
Branch, Sickle 
Thrombosis Lab 
Leukocytes isolation for 
gene expression and 
RNAseq** 
• 
Monocyte TF gene 
expression 
• 
Tissue factor RNAseq 
• 
Complement variants 
• 
P-selectin variants 
 
 
 
5 ml 
(1 tube) 
 
 
 
EDTA 
 
 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
 
 
NHLBI Sickle Cell 
Branch, Sickle 
Thrombosis Lab 
Contact Pathway 
6 ml 
(2 tubes) 
3.8% Sodium 
Citrate  + Corn 
Trypsin 
Inhibitor (CTI) 
 
Baseline (D0) and 
end of study D28) 
 
NHLBI Sickle Cell 
Branch, Sickle 
Thrombosis Lab 


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8.3 
SAFETY AND OTHER ASSESSMENTS 
Physical examination, laboratory tests and adverse event review will be assessed at baseline and 
at 4 weeks. 
Safety, tolerability and adherence assessments will be performed at baseline and at 4 weeks and 
whenever clinically indicated. 
Counseling: Subjects should maintain a stable diet and not start any new diet or active SCD 
treatment for the duration of the study. 
24-hour Dietary Recall:  At three timepoints throughout the study, trained nutrition staff from the 
NIH CC will collect a 24-hour recall to reflect dietary intake from the prior day with nutrition 
staff entering information directly into Nutrition Data Systems for Research software (NDSR, 
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN) to obtain nutrient and dietary quercetin intake data. 
Participants experiencing adverse events after the start of IQ/placebo up until 4 weeks after 
discontinuation, may have a clinic visit for assessment and will be managed as clinically 
indicated. All patients will received a phone call study visit 4 weeks after IQ/placebo 
discontinuation to assess for AEs. 
 
8.4 
ADVERSE EVENTS AND SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS 
8.4.1 Definition of Adverse Event 
Adverse event means any untoward medical occurrence associated with the use of an 
intervention in humans, whether or not considered intervention-related (21 CFR 312.32 (a)). 
8.4.2 Definition of Serious Adverse Events (SAE) 
An adverse event (AE) or suspected adverse reaction is considered "serious" if, in the view of the 
investigator, it results in any of the following outcomes: death, a life-threatening adverse event, 
inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, a persistent or significant 
incapacity or substantial disruption of the ability to conduct normal life functions, or a congenital 
anomaly/birth defect. Important medical events that may not result in death, be life-threatening, 
or require hospitalization may be considered serious when, based upon appropriate medical 
judgment, they may jeopardize the participant and may require medical or surgical intervention 
to prevent one of the outcomes listed in this definition. Examples of such medical events include 
allergic bronchospasm requiring intensive treatment in an emergency room or at home, blood 
dyscrasias or convulsions that do not result in inpatient hospitalization, or the development of 
drug dependency or drug abuse. 
8.4.3 Classification of an Adverse Event 
Severity of Event 
This study will utilize the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (CTCAE 
v5.0) for toxicity and adverse event reporting.  A copy of the CTCAE v5.0 can be downloaded 
from the https://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/ctc.htm. 


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AEs will be recorded, verified, and followed until satisfactory resolution or stabilization.  In the 
event of any treatment related SAEs, enrollment will be suspended until discussed with the IRB 
and Clinical Director. 
 
8.4.4 Grading and attribution of adverse events 
Severity definitions found in the CTCAE v5.0 will be used for grading the severity (intensity) of 
AEs: 
1) Mild:  Asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; 
intervention not indicated. 
2) Moderate:  Minimal, local or noninvasive intervention indicated; limiting age-appropriate 
instrumental ADL* 
3) Severe:  Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; 
hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; disabling; limiting self-care 
ADL**. 
4) Life- threatening:  Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated. 
5) Death:  Death related to AE. 
 
*Instrumental ADL refer to preparing meals, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the 
telephone, managing money, etc. 
**Self-care ADL refer to bathing, dressing and undressing, feeding self, using the toilet, taking 
medications, and not bedridden. 
 
8.4.5 Relationship to Study Intervention 
• All adverse events (AEs) must have their relationship to study intervention assessed by 
the investigator or designee who examines and evaluates the participant based on 
temporal relationship and his/her clinical judgment. The degree of certainty about 
causality will be graded using the categories below. In a clinical trial, the study product 
must always be suspect.  
• Definitely Related – There is clear evidence to suggest a causal relationship, and other 
possible contributing factors can be ruled out. The clinical event, including an abnormal 
laboratory test result, occurs in a plausible time relationship to study intervention 
administration and cannot be explained by concurrent disease or other drugs or 
chemicals. The response to withdrawal of the study intervention (dechallenge) should be 
clinically plausible.  
• Probably Related – There is evidence to suggest a causal relationship, and the influence 
of other factors is unlikely. The clinical event, including an abnormal laboratory test 
result, occurs within a reasonable time after administration of the study intervention, is 
unlikely to be attributed to concurrent disease or other drugs or chemicals, and follows a 
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• Potentially Related – There is some evidence to suggest a causal relationship (e.g., the 
event occurred within a reasonable time after administration of the trial medication). 
However, other factors may have contributed to the event (e.g., the participant’s clinical 
condition, other concomitant events). Although an AE may rate only as “possibly related” 
soon after discovery, it can be flagged as requiring more information and later be 
upgraded to “probably related” or “definitely related”, as appropriate. 
• Unlikely to be related – A clinical event, including an abnormal laboratory test result, 
whose temporal relationship to study intervention administration makes a causal 
relationship improbable (e.g., the event did not occur within a reasonable time after 
administration of the study intervention) and in which other drugs or chemicals or 
underlying disease provides plausible explanations (e.g., the participant’s clinical 
condition, other concomitant treatments). 
• Not Related – The AE is completely independent of study intervention administration, 
and/or evidence exists that the event is definitely related to another etiology. There must 
be an alternative, definitive etiology documented by the clinician. 
 
8.4.6 Expectedness  
The PI or designee will be responsible for determining whether an AE is expected or unexpected.  
An AE will be considered unexpected if the nature, severity, or frequency of the event is not 
consistent with the risk information previously described in the Investigator’s Brochure for IQ.  
 
We expect some vasovagal symptoms during blood draws (expected frequency 50%) and transient 
bruising at the site of blood draws (expected frequency 50%). Approximately 20% of SCD patients 
may experience a vaso-occlusive pain crisis “acute crisis” as part of their underlying disease, 
thereby resulting in hospitalization and reporting of SAEs. 
8.4.7 Time Period and Frequency for Event Assessment and Follow-Up 
The occurrence of an adverse event (AE) or serious adverse event (SAE) may come to the 
attention of study personnel during study visits and interviews of a study participant presenting 
for medical care, or upon review by a study monitor. 
Investigators will assess the occurrence of AEs and SAEs at all patient evaluation time points 
during the study.  Grade 2 and above adverse events plus grade 2 laboratory abnoramlitites 
associated with clinical signs or symptoms whether volunteered by the patient, discovered by 
study personnel during questioning, or detected through physical examination, clinically 
significant laboratory test, or other means will be recorded on the appropriate CRF.Information 
to be collected includes event description, date of onset, clinician’s assessment of severity, 
relationship to study product (assessed only by those with the training and authority to make a 
diagnosis), and date of resolution/stabilization of the event.AEs collected for the purpose of the 
study will be documented appropriately  regardless of relationship to the IND agent. AEs will be 
followed to adequate resolution or stabilization or until V4 (phone call). 
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• Grade 2 laboratory abnormalities not associated with clinical signs or symptoms.  
SCD is a chronic disease associated with recurrent acute painful crises and this information will 
be documented in the medical record. Any medical condition that is present at the time that the 
participant is screened will be considered as baseline and not reported as an AE. However, if the 
study participant’s condition deteriorates at any time during the study, it will be recorded as an 
AE. Changes in the severity of an AE will be documented to allow an assessment of the duration 
of the event at each level of severity to be performed. AEs characterized as intermittent require 
documentation of onset and duration of each episode. 
The PI or designee will record all reportable events (those entered in the research database with 
start dates occurring any time after the study intervention has started until 7 days (for non-
serious AEs or SAEs) after the last day of administration of the study supplement. At each study 
visit, the team member will inquire about the occurrence of AE/SAEs since the last visit.  Events 
will be followed for outcome information until resolution or stabilization or until V4 (phone 
call). 
8.4.8 Adverse Event Reporting  
  Grading and attribution of AEs captured in the database will be determined by the Principal 
Investigator or Associate Investigator’s designated on the delegation log.   
 
8.4.9 Serious Adverse Event Reporting  
 
The study investigator will report to the sponsor any SAE occurring after the start of 
intervention, whether or not considered study intervention related, including those listed in the 
protocol or investigator brochure and must include an assessment of whether there is a 
reasonable possibility that the study intervention caused the event.  
All SAEs will be followed until satisfactory resolution or until the site investigator deems the 
event to be chronic or that the participant is stable.  
The study sponsor will be responsible for notifying the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of 
any unexpected fatal or life-threatening suspected adverse reaction as soon as possible, but in no 
case later than 7 calendar days after the sponsor's initial receipt of the information. In addition, 
the sponsor must notify FDA and all participating investigators in an Investigational New Drug 
(IND) safety report of potential serious risks, from clinical trials or any other source, as soon as 
possible, but in no case later than 15 calendar days after the sponsor determines that the 
information qualifies for reporting using a MedWatch Report (FDA Form 3500). 
 
Reports to the IRB and CD 
Expedited Reporting 
Events requiring expedited reporting will be submitted to the IRB per Policy 801 “Reporting 
Research Events”. 
 


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Reports to the IRB at the time of Continuing Review: 
The PI or designee will refer to HRPP Policy 801 “Reporting Research Events” to determine 
IRB reporting requirements. 
 
Reports to the CD: 
The PI or designee will refer to NHLBI DIR Policy to determine CD reporting requirements and 
timelines. 
Reports to the DSMB 
The NHLBI DSMB as the independent data safety monitoring commitee will review and 
approve the protocol before the enrollment.  SAEs that meet the definition of an Unanticipated 
Problem will be submitted to the DSMB within 7 days of the investigator being notified of the 
event.  DSMB will have access to safety data upon request any time. The monitoring plan will be 
developed and approved by the DSMB before enrollment.  
 
8.4.10 Events of Special Interest  
N/A  
8.4.11 Reporting of Pregnancy  
In the event a subject becomes pregnant while on study, this event will be reported to the IRB 
and Clinical Director as a protocol deviation.  Monitoring of the pregnancy thru chart review (per 
HIPPA guidelines) will continue until conclusion of the pregnancy, and then subject will be 
taken off study. 
8.5 
UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS 
8.5.1 Definition of Unanticipated Problems (UP) 
Any incident, experience, or outcome that meets all of the following criteria: 
• Unexpected in terms of nature, severity, or frequency given (a) the research procedures 
that are described in the protocol-related documents, such as the Institutional Review 
Board (IRB)-approved research protocol and informed consent document; and (b) the 
characteristics of the participant population being studied; and 
• Related or possibly related to participation in the research (“possibly related” means there 
is a reasonable possibility that the incident, experience, or outcome may have been 
caused by the procedures involved in the research); and 
• Suggests that the research places participants or others (which many include research 
staff, family members or other individuals not directly participating in the research) at a 
greater risk of harm (including physical, psychological, economic, or social harm) than 
was previously known or expected. 


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 8.5.2 Unanticipated Problem Reporting  
The investigator will report unanticipated problems (UPs) to the NIH Institutional Review Board 
(IRB) as per Policy 801. 
8.5.3 NIH Intramural IRB Reporting of IND Safety Reports 
Only IND Safety Reports that meet the definition of an unanticipated problem will need to be 
reported to the NIH Intramural IRB. 
 
9 STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
9.1 
STATISTICAL HYPOTHESIS 
 
Treatment with IQ will blunt systemic inflammation and coagulation activation in sickle cell 
disease patients. 
 
Primary Endpoint(s): The primary outcome will be the change in the plasma soluble P-selectin 
comparing the baseline to IQ response after 28 days in patients with SCD.  
 
9.2 
SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION 
This is a study designed to assess the effect of IQ on plasma soluble P-selectin in subjects with 
stable SCD at baseline.  The mean baseline soluble P-selectin measurement in a cross-sectional 
study of SCD patients (n = 29) in steady state was 30 ng/ml with standard deviation of 8.4 (see 
preliminary data Figure 4). Follow-up measurements from the same individuals had mean values 
of 29 ng/ml and standard deviation of 8.4 with intra-person correlation of 0.60 for the two 
measurements. The proposed analysis is an analysis of covariance model with follow-up P-
selectin measurement (i.e. post-treatment measurement) as the dependent variable with baseline 
measurement and treatment assignment as the covariates. A 25% reduction in P-selectin (i.e. 
an 7.25 ng/ml decline from an average value of 29 ng/ml) is the hypothesized treatment effect for 
IQ proposed to achieve a clinically meaningful reduction in thrombosis risk. Under these 
conditions a total of 40 respondents (20 per arm) is needed to obtain power of 90%. Based on 
these considerations we request an accrual ceiling to the study intervention portion of the study 
of 46 individuals to compensate for loss to follow-up or inaccurate sample size assumptions. 
  
In the table below, we present power calculations for various scenarios. With 20 subjects on IQ 
and 20 on placebo, the study will have >90% power to detect a difference of 7.25 ng/ml in the 
mean baseline to 4-week changes between the two study groups. Furthermore, even with only 34 
subjects (17 in each arm), the study will have >85% power to detect a mean change of 
7.25 ng/ml. Therefore, we request approval to enroll up to a total of 46 subjects to: 1) account for 
potential diluting effects of possible treatment non-compliance, and/or study dropouts, 2) provide 
a buffer against possibly inaccurate sample size assumptions, and 3) provide power to test our 
hypothesis in the  subgroup of per-protocol patients who avoid crises that may distort their P-
selectin and other measurements (see section 9.3).  


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Table 4 
 
  
 
Analysis Method 
Anticipated P-selectin 
reduction 
Power 
Required Sample Size 
per arm 
ANCOVA 
25% 
80% 
15 
ANCOVA 
25% 
85% 
17 
ANCOVA 
25% 
90% 
20 
 
 
9.3 POPULATIONS FOR ANALYSES 
The primary analysis will be conducted among patients with SCD that are randomized. The 
occurrence of the following clinical events that are related to the underlying disease biology may 
confound study outcomes. In particular, occurrence of acute crises can profoundly alter 
inflammation, coagulation biology and affect P-selectin measurement. Therefore, of particular 
interest is the subgroup of steady state SCD patients that complete the 28-day study treatment 
period without experiencing an acute crisis. A subgroup analysis of the primary and key secondary 
endpoints will be conducted on this subset using the same analytic techniques. 
 
9.3.1 Evaluable for toxicity  
All patients randomized will be evaluable for toxicity from the time of their first treatment with 
study supplement or placebo until 28 days after completion of the end of study visit. 
9.3.2 Evaluable for objective response  
N/A 
9.4 
STATISTICAL ANALYSES 
9.4.1 General Approach 
Please refer to sections 9.4.2, 9.4.3 and 9.4.6 for the general approach to statistical analysis. 
 
9.4.2 Analysis of the Primary Endpoints 
The primary outcome will be the change in the soluble P-selectin level comparing baseline levels 
versus their respective response to IQ or placebo among randomized SCD patients. The proposed 
statistical method is an analysis of covariance model with follow-up P-selectin measurement (i.e. 
post-treatment measurement) as the dependent variable with baseline measurement and treatment 
assignment as the covariates. Significance in this pilot phase II study will be evaluated using a 
two-sided test with alpha level of 0.05. 
 


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9.4.3 Analysis of the Secondary Endpoint(s) 
The following endpoints are exploratory in nature: 
o Compare baseline and end of study plasma protein disulfide isomerase activity 
o Quantify baseline and end of study plasma tissue factor positive extracellular 
vesicle number  
o Compare baseline and end of study tissue factor procoagulant activity 
o Compare baseline and end of study platelet thrombin generation 
o Compare baseline and end of study inflammatory cytokines 
o Compare baseline and end of study plasma D-Dimer, TAT and PF1.2 
o Compare baseline and end of study contemporary biomarkers of vascular 
endothelial function, specifically reactive hyperemia index. 
o Assess safety and tolerability of IQ 
o Assess adherence to oral IQ 
Baseline and end of study measures of secondary end points will be similarly conducted using 
ANCOVA or Wilcoxon’s rank sum test, if assumptions of normality are not warranted. We will 
explore statistical correlation between PDI activity, tissue factor EVs, tissue factor procoagulant 
activity and soluble P-selectin levels using Spearman’s or Pearson’s correlation coefficients. 
Changes in hemoglobin, leukocytes, reticulocytes, platelets, LDH, Total and direct bilirubin, C-
reactive protein, inflammatory cytokine panel and coagulation parameters from baseline after 
exposure to 28 days of Isoquercetin will be summarized. 
 
9.4.4 Safety Analyses  
The planned analyses will also include descriptive statistics on the incidence and severity of 
adverse events.  The proportions of treatment related serious adverse events (TRSAEs) will be 
summarized using sample proportions and confidence intervals for binomial distributions.  
Safety will be summarized using descriptive statistics. Summaries will be produced for all 
treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), related TEAEs (those considered by the 
Investigator as related to study treatment), SAEs, TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation, 
and TEAEs Grade ≥3 in severity. Individual subject listings will be provided for any deaths, 
SAEs, TEAEs leading to interruption and TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation.  
 
Stopping rule 
When the Bayesian posterior probability reaches 75% or higher, it will trigger a meeting of the 
DMSC. The prior distribution for the probability of a qualifying adverse event is given by a beta 
distribution with parameters a = 1.25 and b = 3.25. For stopping rule purposes, qualifying 
AEs/SAEs will only be counted in the Isoquercetin arm. Monitoring for crossing the boundary 
and reporting to the DSMB, if necessary, will be done by the unblinded statistician. 
The Table below summarizes the threshold numbers for the resulting boundary in the 
Isoquercetin arm, which would lead to a meeting of the safety committee to evaluate stopping or 


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modifying the study due to an excess number of qualifying AEs/SAEs. AEs will be counted for 
anyone randomized into the Isoquercetin arm regardless of whether they are withdrawn or lost to 
follow-up.  
Table 5: Threshold numbers for resulting boundary 
Number of subjects in the 
study 
Hold enrollment if the number of subjects who have 
developed a qualifying AE/SAE is 
≤3 
2 
≤7 
3 
≤10 
4 
≤14 
5 
≤17 
6 
≤21 
7 
≤23 
8 
 
We investigated the performance of the above stopping rule through simulation. In each 
simulation we generated a set of 23 independent Bernoulli trials; each representing an 
Isoquercetin-receiving patient with probability p for having a qualifying AE/SAE. For each 
simulation we determined if the stopping boundary would have been reached with consideration 
for halting or suspending the study. We conducted this simulation 100,000 times for each 
different true value of probability p and recorded the average number of Isoquercetin-receiving 
patients treated (it may be less than 23 if the study was stopped early) and the average number 
of qualifying AEs/SAEs observed. In addition, we show the proportion of the 100,000 
simulations in which the stopping boundary was met. The table below summarizes the 
performance of the stopping rule under a number of different values for the 
qualifying AE/SAE probability p. 
 
Table 6: Performance of the Stopping Rule under multiple scenarios for the 
qualifying AE/SAE Probability p 
 


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Probability of a 
qualifying AE/SAE 
0.15 
0.20 
0.25 
0.30 
0.40 
Proportion of 
Stopped Studies 
14% 
28% 
45% 
63% 
89% 
Average number of 
subjects 
20.7 
18.7 
16.2 
13.5 
8.9 
Average number of 
qualifying 
AEs/SAEs 
3.1 
3.7 
4.0 
4.1 
3.5 
 
 
9.4.5 Baseline Descriptive Statistics 
 
For clinical laboratory values, and vital signs both actual values and changes from baseline will 
be summarized by visit using summary statistics.  
 
  
Given the short nature of the trial and safety profile of the drug, few patients are expected to drop 
out or otherwise produce missing data. Individuals with missing data will be tabulated and 
reasons for missing data will be collected where possible and presented. If randomized subjects 
have missing data in either arm, then the primary analysis will employ a multiple imputation 
procedure that will be developed without knowledge of the treatment assignments (beyond 
assessing the percentage of missing outcomes in each arm). In these circumstances the analysis 
utilizing only available information would be secondary.   
 
10 REGULATORY AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 
10.1 
INFORMED CONSENT PROCESS 
10.1.1 Consent/Assent Procedures and Documentation 
Informed consent will be conducted following OHSRP Policy 301- Informed Consent. 
An IRB-approved consent form will be provided to the participant electronically or by hard copy 
for review prior to consenting. The initial consent process as well as re-consent, when required, 
may take place in person or remotely (e.g., via telephone or other NIH approved platforms). The 
investigational nature and objectives of this trial, the procedures, and their attendant risks and 
discomforts and potential benefits will be carefully explained to the participant in a private 
setting. 
The participant will be given as much time as they need to review the document and to consult 
with their family, friends, and personal health care providers. In addition, a study team member 


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will be available to answer any questions. 
A signed and dated informed consent document will be obtained by any investigator authorized 
to consent (See Key Study Personnel Page) prior to entry onto the study. Consent may be 
obtained with required signatures on the hard copy of the consent or on the electronic document. 
When a document that is in electronic format is used for obtaining consent, this study may use 
the iMed platform which is 21 CFR, Part 11 compliant, to obtain the required signatures. 
During the consent process, participants and investigators may view the same approved consent 
document simultaneously when participant is being consented in person at the Clinical Center or 
both may view individual copies of the approved consent document on screens in their respective 
locations remotely. Signatures may be obtained either by both directly signing on the device that 
the consenting investigator is using (when in person) or through iMed Mobile Signature Capture 
(remotely) which allows texting or emailing a link to the participant. That link allows the 
participant to review the consent, then proceed to sign on the device they are using. 
Whether hard copy or electronic, both the investigator and the participant will sign the document 
with a hand signature using a pen (if using hard copy), finger, stylus, or mouse (if electronic). 
When done remotely, if the participant prefers to sign a hard copy, they may be instructed to sign 
and date the consent document during the discussion and mail, secure email or fax the signed 
document to the consenting investigator. Whether in person or remotely, the privacy of the 
participant will be maintained. Finally, the fully signed informed consent document will be 
stored in the electronic medical record, and the participant will receive a copy of the signed 
informed 
consent document. 
 
10.1.2 Consent for minors when they reach the age of majority  
N/A 
10.1.3 Telephone consent  
N/A 
10.1.4 Participation of Subjects who are/become Decisionally Impaired 
N/A 
10.2 
STUDY DISCONTINUATION AND CLOSURE 
 
This study may be temporarily suspended or prematurely terminated if there is sufficient 
reasonable cause.  If the study is prematurely terminated or suspended, the Principal Investigator 
(PI) will promptly inform study participants, the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and will 
provide the reason(s) for the termination or suspension.  Study participants will be contacted, as 
applicable, and be informed of changes to study visit schedule. 
 Circumstances that may warrant termination or suspension include, but are not limited to: 
• Determination of unexpected, significant, or unacceptable risk to participants 
• Insufficient compliance to protocol requirements 


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• Data that are not sufficiently complete and/or evaluable 
Study may resume once concerns about safety, protocol compliance, and data quality are 
addressed, and satisfy the IRB. 
10.3 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY 
Participant confidentiality and privacy is strictly held in trust by the participating investigators, 
their staff. This confidentiality is extended to cover testing of biological samples in addition to 
the clinical information relating to participants. Therefore, the study protocol, documentation, 
data, and all other information generated will be held in strict confidence.  
All research activities will be conducted in as private a setting as possible. 
The study monitor, other authorized representatives of the sponsor, representatives of the 
Institutional Review Board (IRB), and/or regulatory agencies may inspect all documents and 
records required to be maintained by the investigator, including but not limited to, medical 
records (office, clinic, or hospital) and pharmacy records for the participants in this study. The 
clinical study site will permit access to such records. 
The study participant’s contact information will be securely stored at the NIH for internal use 
during the study. At the end of the study, all records will continue to be kept in a secure location 
for as long a period as dictated by the reviewing IRB, Institutional policies, or sponsor 
requirements. 
Study participant research data, which is for purposes of statistical analysis and scientific 
reporting, will be stored in a research database in conformity with NHLBI DIR policy. Individual 
participants and their research data will be identified by a unique study identification number. 
The study data entry and study management systems used by clinical sites and by the research 
staff will be secured and password protected.  
To further protect the privacy of study participants, a Certificate of Confidentiality has been 
issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  This certificate protects identifiable research 
information from forced disclosure. It allows the investigator and others who have access to 
research records to refuse to disclose identifying information on research participation in any 
civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding, whether at the federal, state, or 
local level. By protecting researchers and institutions from being compelled to disclose 
information that would identify research participants, Certificates of Confidentiality help achieve 
the research objectives and promote participation in studies by helping assure confidentiality and 
privacy to participants. 
10.4 
FUTURE USE OF STORED SPECIMENS AND DATA 
We may share specimens and data with other researchers for future use. 
Following analyses of biospecimens for primary research purposes as described in the protocol, 
remaining samples suitable for future research will be stored in manner that conforms with DIR 
policy (such as BSI) or in a publicly accessible research biospecimen repository following IRB 
approval.  Biospecimens may be destroyed only when permitted by the clinical director and 
approved by the IRB.  Any future research use of identifiable biospecimens not defined in the 
research protocol will occur only after IRB review and approval. 


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10.5 
SAFETY OVERSIGHT 
Safety oversight will be under the direction of a DSMB composed of individuals with the 
appropriate expertise. Members of the DSMB should be independent from the study conduct and 
free of conflict of interest, or measures should be in place to minimize perceived conflict of 
interest.  The DSMB will meet semiannually or annually to assess safety and efficacy data on 
each arm of the study. The DMSB will operate under the rules of an approved charter that will be 
written and reviewed at the organizational meeting of the DSMB. At this time, each data element 
that the DSMB needs to assess will be clearly defined. The DSMB will provide its input to 
National Institutes of Health staff. 
10.6 
CLINICAL MONITORING 
The monitoring of this study will be conducted by clinical research associates (CRAs)/monitors 
employed by an independent contract organization working under an agreement with NHLBI to 
monitor aspects of the study in accordance with the appropriate regulations and the approved 
protocol. The objectives of a monitoring visit will be: 1) to verify the existence of signed informed 
consent form (ICF) and documentation of the ICF process for each monitored subject; 2) to verify 
the prompt and accurate recording of all monitored data points, and prompt reporting of all SAEs; 
3) to compare abstracted information with individual subjects’ records and source documents 
(subject’s charts, laboratory analyses and test results, physicians’ progress notes, nurses’ notes, 
and any other relevant original subject information); and 4) to help ensure investigators are in 
compliance with the protocol. The monitors also will inspect the clinical site regulatory files to 
ensure that regulatory requirements (Office for Human Research Protections-OHRP) and 
applicable guidelines (ICH-GCP) are being followed.  Monitoring will be conducted according to 
the OCD schedule.  During the monitoring visits, the investigator (and/or designee) and other study 
personnel will be available to discuss the study progress and monitoring visit. 
The investigator (and/or designee) will make study documents (e.g., consent forms and pertinent 
hospital or clinical records readily available for inspection by the local IRB, the site monitors, 
and the NHLBI staff for confirmation of the study data. 
10.7 
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 
Quality control (QC) procedures will be implemented beginning with the data entry system and 
data QC checks that will be run on the database will be generated. Any missing data or data 
anomalies will be communicated to the site(s) for clarification/resolution. 
Following written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the monitors will verify that the 
clinical trial is conducted and data are generated and biological specimens are collected, 
documented (recorded), and reported in compliance with the protocol, International Conference 
on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP), and applicable regulatory requirements 
(e.g., Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)).  
The investigational site will provide direct access to all trial related sites, source data/documents, 
and reports for the purpose of monitoring and auditing by the sponsor, and inspection by local 
and regulatory authorities. 
 


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10.8 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING 
 10.8.1 Data Collection and Management Responsibilities 
Data collection is the responsibility of the clinical trial staff at the site under the supervision of 
the site investigator. The investigator is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, 
legibility, and timeliness of the data reported. 
All source documents should be completed in a neat, legible manner to ensure accurate 
interpretation of data.   
Data recorded in the electronic case report form (eCRF) derived from source documents should 
be consistent with the data recorded on the source documents.  
Clinical data and clinical laboratory data will be entered into CTDB, a 21 CFR Part 11-compliant 
data capture system. Clinical data will be entered directly from the source documents. 
10.8.2 Study Records Retention 
Study documents should be retained for a minimum of 2 years after the last approval of a 
marketing application in an International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) region and until 
there are no pending or contemplated marketing applications in an ICH region or until at least 2 
years have elapsed since the formal discontinuation of clinical development of the study 
intervention, or as per the NIH Intramural Records Retention Schedule. No records will be 
destroyed without the written consent of the NHLBI Clinical Director.  
 
10.9 
PROTOCOL DEVIATIONS 
It is the responsibility of the investigator to use continuous vigilance to identify and report 
deviations to the NIH Institutional Review Board as per Policy 801.   
NIH Definition of Protocol Deviation 
A protocol deviation is any changed, divergence, or departure from the IRB-approved research 
protocol.  
• Major deviations: Deviations from the IRB approved protocol that have, or may have the 
potential to, negatively impact the rights, welfare or safety of the subject, or to 
substantially negatively impact the scientific integrity or validity of the study. 
• Minor deviations: Deviations that do not have the potential to negatively impact the 
rights, safety or welfare of subjects or others, or the scientific integrity or validity of the 
study. 
10.10 PUBLICATION AND DATA SHARING POLICY 
10.10.1 
Human Data Sharing Plan 
This study will be conducted in accordance with the following publication and data sharing 
policies and regulations: 
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Public Access Policy, which ensures that the public has 
access to the published results of NIH funded research. It requires scientists to submit final peer-


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reviewed journal manuscripts that arise from NIH funds to the digital archive PubMed Central 
upon acceptance for publication. 
This study will comply with the NIH Data Sharing Policy and Policy on the Dissemination of 
NIH-Funded Clinical Trial Information and the Clinical Trials Registration and Results 
Information Submission rule. As such, this trial will be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, and 
results information from this trial will be submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov. In addition, every 
attempt will be made to publish results in peer-reviewed journals.  Data from this study may be 
requested from other researchers 3 years after the completion of the primary endpoint by 
contacting Dr. Arun Shet at the NHLBI 
 
10.10.2 
Genomic Data Sharing Plan 
N/A 
10.11 COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS  
 
10.11.1 
Agreement Type 
A Clinical Material Supply Agreement between NHLBI and Querces AG for the conduct of this 
study is being executed. 
 
10.12 CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY 
The independence of this study from any actual or perceived influence, such as by the 
pharmaceutical industry, is critical.  Therefore, any actual conflict of interest of persons who 
have a role in the design, conduct, analysis, publication, or any aspect of this trial will be 
disclosed and managed. Furthermore, persons who have a perceived conflict of interest will be 
required to have such conflicts managed in a way that is appropriate to their participation in the 
design and conduct of this trial.  The study leadership in conjunction with the NHLBI has 
established policies and procedures for all study group members to disclose all conflicts of 
interest and will establish a mechanism for the management of all reported dualities of interest. 
 
11 ABBREVIATIONS 
 
ACS 
 
Acute Chest Syndrome 
ADME 
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination 
AE 
Adverse Event 
AT 
Anti-Thrombin 
BAUS 
Brachial Artery Ultrasound 
BNP 
B-type natriuretic peptide 
CFR 
Code of Federal Regulations 
CLIA 
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments 
COC 
Certificate of Confidentiality 


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CRF 
Case Report Form 
CRP 
C-Reactive Protein 
CTCAE 
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 
CTEPH 
chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension 
DHHS 
Department of Health and Human Services 
DSMB 
Data Safety Monitoring Board 
DSMB 
Data Safety Monitoring Board 
DSMC 
Data Safety and Monitoring Committee 
DVT 
Deep Venous Thrombosis 
eCRF 
Electronic Case Report Forms 
ELISA 
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay 
EOS 
End of Study 
ER 
Endoplasmic Reticulum 
EVs 
Extracellular Vesicles 
FDA 
Food and Drug Administration 
FDAAA 
Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 
GCP 
Good Clinical Practice 
GLP 
Good Laboratory Practices 
GMP 
Good Manufacturing Practices 
GRAS 
Generally Recognized As Safe 
HbS 
Hemoglobin S  
HCG 
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophins 
HCV 
Hepatitis C Virus 
HIPAA 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  
HIV 
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 
HMGB1 
h\High Mobility Broup Box-1 
HU 
Hydroxy Urea 
ICH 
International Conference on Harmonization  
IND 
Investigational New Drug Application 
IND 
Investigational New Drug 
IQ 
Isoquercetin 
IRB 
Institutional Review Board 
MAS 
Medical Administrative Series 
NCT 
National Clinical Trial 
NHLBI 
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute 
NIH  
National Institutes of Health 
NIH IC 
NIH Institute or Center 
NIRS 
Near Infrared Spectroscopy 
NO 
Nitric Oxide 
NTP 
National Toxicology Program 
OHRP 
Office for Human Research Protections 
PAT 
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry 
PDI 
protein disulfide isomerase 
PI 
Principal Investigator 
PRO 
Patient Recruitment Office 
PTT 
Partial Thromboplastin Time 
QA 
Quality Assurance 
QC 
Quality Control 
RBC 
Red Blood Cell 
SAE 
Serious Adverse Event 
SAE 
Serious Adverse Event 
SCD 
Sickle Cell Disease 


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SOA 
Schedule of Activities 
SOC 
System Organ Class 
SOP 
Standard Operating Procedure 
SOPs 
Standard Operating Procedures 
TAT 
Thrombin-Antithrombin Complexes 
TEAEs 
Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events 
TF 
Tissue Factor 
TLR4 
Toll Like Receptor 4 
UP 
Unanticipated Problem 
US 
United States 
VOC 
Vaso-Occlusive Crises 
VTE 
Venous Thromboembolism 
vWF 
von Willebrand Factor 
 
 
 


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SAP_003.pdf: 
 
Statistical Analysis Plan Cover Page:   
 
Official Title: 
A Study to Evaluate the Effects of fixed dose Flavonoid Isoquercetin on 
thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with stable Sickle Cell Disease 
NCT number: 
 
NCT04514510 
Document Type:  
Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP)  
Document Date: 
07/20/2022 
 
 


Statistical Analysis Plan for 20-H-0137 Isoquercetin Study 
7/20/22 
 
This document has been prepared prior to the unblinding of treatment assignments. 
 
Summary of Protocol Statements Regarding the Statistical Analysis 
 
Primary Endpoint(s): The primary outcome will be the change in the plasma soluble P-selectin 
comparing the baseline to IQ response after 28 days in patients with SCD. The proposed 
statistical method is an analysis of covariance model with follow-up plasma soluble P-selectin P-
selectin measurement (i.e. post-treatment measurement) as the dependent variable with baseline 
measurement and treatment assignment as the covariates. Significance in this pilot phase II study 
will be evaluated using a two-sided test with alpha level of 0.05. 
 
Missing data considerations: If randomized subjects have missing data in either arm, then the 
primary analysis will employ a multiple imputation procedure that will be developed without 
knowledge of the treatment assignments (beyond assessing the percentage of missing outcomes 
in each arm). In these circumstances the analysis utilizing only available information would be 
secondary. 
 
Secondary endpoints: Baseline and end of study measures of secondary end points will be 
similarly conducted using ANCOVA or Wilcoxon’s rank sum test, if assumptions of normality 
are not warranted.  
 
Secondary analyses under consideration for evaluating treatment effect of isoquercetin: 
Compare baseline and end of study plasma protein disulfide isomerase activity 
Quantify baseline and end of study number of plasma tissue factor positive extracellular 
vesicles  
Compare baseline and end of study tissue factor procoagulant activity 
Compare baseline and end of study inflammatory cytokines 
Compare baseline and end of study plasma D-Dimer and TAT  
Compare baseline and end of study antioxidant effects of Isoquercetin  
Compare baseline and end of study platelet aggregation (Aggregometer) 
Compare baseline and end of study clot formation (TEG) 
Compare baseline and end of study contemporary biomarkers of vascular function and 
atherothrombosis (EndoPAT and NIRS) 
Compare baseline and end of study plasma Quercetin level  
 
 
 
Details of the Statistical Analysis 
 
Primary Analysis: 
For the primary analysis the outcome will be assessed via the R program’s lm command of the 
form  


lm(eos ~ baseline+group,data=isoquercetin) 
 
where eos denotes the end of study isoquercetin level, baseline denotes the baseline isoquercetin 
value, and group is a factor with two levels: isoquercetin and placebo. The assumptions of 
normally distributed error terms appears reasonable based on empirical distributions of 
isoquercetin levels. 
 
The protocol indicated all randomized participants would be analyzed. Although 46 participants 
were randomized, one person was randomized but clinical changes in health status changed their 
eligibility and precluded them from starting the study. Consequently she was unable to begin 
study procedures and no intervention (placebo or isoquercetin) was given. Because no treatment 
was administered, and no baseline measurements were obtained we will omit this individual 
from our analysis dataset. This approach avoids bias (Fergusson D, et al. Post-randomisation 
exclusions: the intention to treat principle and excluding patients from analysis. BMJ. 2002 Sep 
21;325(7365):652-4) and improves the precision of estimates when compared with the 
alternative of multiple imputation for someone untreated and without baseline or follow-up data. 
Consequently, our analysis data set contains 45 individuals. A different individual was 
randomized, treated, but was lost to follow-up, and has missing follow-up data. Because this 
individual was treated, a multiple imputation procedure will be used to impute their data as 
indicated in the protocol.  
 
Imputation will be done using the mice package of the R programming language with m=20 
imputations (with 30 iterations) using predictive mean matching based on age, gender, and 
baseline isoquercetin value.  
 
The primary analysis will employ Rubin’s method for pooling results across imputations (Rubin, 
DB, 1987, Multiple Imputation for Nonresponse in Surveys, John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp. 
76-77). 
 
 
Secondary Analyses: 
 
For the secondary analyses listed above, the principle analyses will assess the treatment effects 
for these outcomes. The determination of whether to use a regression model based on normality 
or a non-parametric Wilcoxon test of the baseline to end of study change for the principle 
analyses will be determined by whether the p-value for a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality 
is less than 0.01 (in which case the Wilcoxon test will be the principle analysis method). 
 
If the Wilcoxon test is used for these analyses then ANCOVA using transformed data to achieve 
error distributions with closer adherence to an assumption of a normal distribution may be used 
as a secondary sensitivity analysis.