There's no cure for most people with sickle cell anemia. However, treatments can relieve pain and help prevent co-morbid conditions associated with sickle cell anemia. Hydroxyurea is the only FDA approved drug to help alleviate symptoms associated with sickle cell disease. The mortality rate is still high in patients using hydroxyurea and a significant percentage of patients still have aggressive disease despite the hydroxyurea treatment. Hydroxyurea therapy also does not seem to prevent the development of many of the complications of sickle cell disease such as pulmonary hypertension.