FDA Asking for Public Input on Nonhealing Chronic Wounds, Including Chronic Leg Ulcers Affecting People with Sickle Cell Disease

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG) and Sick Cells Organization are urging individuals living with sickle cell disease, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and members of the community to participate in an upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) public meeting focused on nonhealing chronic wounds.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the FDA will host a hybrid Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) Meeting for Nonhealing Chronic Wounds. The public meeting will provide an important opportunity for patients and other stakeholders to share firsthand experiences, perspectives, and insights about living with and treating chronic wounds.

Nonhealing wounds, including chronic leg ulcers, are a significant concern for many people living with sickle cell disease. SCFG encourages the sickle cell community to make its voice heard as the FDA gathers patient experiences that can help inform the development and evaluation of future treatments and therapies.

Your Voice Matters

The FDA's PFDD process is designed to bring the patient perspective directly into discussions about disease burden, treatment experiences, unmet medical needs, and potential treatment outcomes. The experiences of people living with sickle cell disease are particularly valuable in helping decision-makers better understand the impact of chronic, nonhealing wounds.

The August 25 meeting will be available in person and virtually via webcast. Participants will also have opportunities during designated discussion portions of the meeting to share their experiences and perspectives.

SCFG and the Sick Cells Organization strongly encourage members of the sickle cell community to participate.

Two Ways to Make Your Voice Heard

Attend the FDA meeting:

Community members can attend the meeting either in person or virtually. Registration is required.

Register to attend:

Register for the August 25 FDA meeting

Submit a written public comment:

Those unable to attend—or those who want to provide additional input—can submit written comments directly to the FDA. The deadline for submitting comments is October 26, 2026.

Submit comments through Regulations.gov

Resources to Help You Participate

Sick Cells has developed an advocacy toolkit to help individuals understand the process and submit meaningful comments to the FDA.

Sick Cells FDA Meeting Advocacy Toolkit

Everyone affected by nonhealing chronic wounds—including people living with sickle cell disease and their families— are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Your lived experience is evidence, your perspective matters, and your voice can help shape the future of treatment and care.

For more information about the FDA's Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting for Nonhealing Chronic Wounds, visit the FDA meeting information page.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. and the Sick Cells organization urges the sickle cell community: Don't miss this opportunity to be heard. Participate. Share your experience. Submit your comments. Make your voice count.