Botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals to immune cells to treat hidradenitis suppurativa
Official title: Botulinum toxin blockade of neuronal signals to immune cells as a novel treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11448989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant tests a new approach to hidradenitis suppurativa by using botulinum toxin to interrupt nerve signals that may drive skin inflammation in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $974,994 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AR087105-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with hidradenitis suppurativa who meet the study’s specified criteria and are able to participate in the investigational approach.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HS or those not meeting participation criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful skin condition that disproportionately affects Black and biracial women. The project explores whether blocking neuronal signals to immune cells with botulinum toxin can reduce the inflammatory processes driving HS. Researchers will study how nerves and immune cells interact in human HS skin and whether this approach can dampen harmful Type-17 inflammation. The work builds on observations from human tissue and aims to translate findings toward a potential new treatment for HS patients. The study spans preclinical insights and early human-relevant investigations to gauge therapeutic potential.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a new treatment that targets disease drivers and may improve symptoms and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in HS has linked neural signals to immune responses; translating these findings to patients is promising but early, with uncertain outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitley, Sarah Kern — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Whitley, Sarah Kern
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Anti-CD38 immunotherapy for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
A new treatment using anti-CD38 therapy is being tested for people with severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have not responded to prior therapies.
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Precision therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa using AI
A doctor-researcher team at UC San Francisco is using advanced computer methods to find personalized drug options to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
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Injectable Hydrogel for HS: a localized therapy to ease painful skin disease
A new baricitinib hydrogel is being developed to deliver pain relief and reduce inflammation directly in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions, potentially lowering systemic side effects.
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Whole-genome sequencing to understand hidradenitis suppurativa in diverse groups
Researchers will study the genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa, especially in African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White patients, to better understand why some people are more affected.
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Understanding the Genes Behind Hidradenitis Suppurativa in teens and young adults
A study to find genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that often starts in adolescence and affects many Black individuals.
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Cortisol Synthesis and HS Tunnel Disease in 3D Skin Models
Aims to understand how cortisol production and signaling affect the painful tunnels in hidradenitis suppurativa using 3D skin models and patient tissue.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.