Methods of using one or more
fumaric acid esters or pharmacologically active salts, derivatives, analogues, or prodrugs thereof to increase expression of fetal
hemoglobin (HbF) are disclosed. The methods typically include administering to a subject an effective amount of one or more
fumaric acid esters optionally in combination or alternation with hydroxyurea to induce HbF expression in the subject in an effective amount to reduce one or more symptoms of a sickle
cell disorder, a
hemoglobinopathy, or a beta-
thalassemia, or to compensate for a genetic
mutation is the human beta-
globin gene (HBB) or an expression control sequence thereof. Pharmaceutical dosage units and dosage regimes for use in the disclosed methods are also provided.