Closed-loop tonic motor activation therapy for refractory restless legs syndrome
Official title: Developing closed-loop tonic motor activation therapy for treatment of refractory restless legs syndrome
Funded at Noctrix Health, INC · NIH-11330427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, non-invasive treatment called CL-TOMAC would automatically activate therapy during sleep to reduce symptoms for adults with restless legs syndrome and help reduce sleep disruption and dependency on medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Noctrix Health, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pleasanton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,324,304 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS117294-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with restless legs syndrome who experience sleep disturbance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RLS or those unable to undergo non-invasive nerve stimulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds a closed-loop version of the Noctrix TOMAC system to detect leg movements during sleep and deliver targeted nerve stimulation automatically. It aims to improve sleep quality by reducing wake after sleep onset and decreasing the need for higher doses of common RLS medications. The study plans to validate the safety and feasibility of the closed-loop system in adults with RLS, using algorithm-driven stimulation during sleep. Through this work, patients may experience better sleep with fewer medication-related side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may sleep more soundly and rely less on medications for RLS management.
How similar studies have gone: Prior TOMAC approaches showed symptom reduction, and closed-loop approaches are being explored to further optimize outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Noctrix Health, INC
Pleasanton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Charlesworth, Jonathan David — Noctrix Health, INC
- Study coordinator: Charlesworth, Jonathan David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New therapy for treating severe restless legs syndrome
This study is testing a new therapy called CL-TOMAC that gently stimulates your nerves while you sleep to help manage Restless Legs Syndrome, making it easier for you to get a good night's rest without relying on medications that might have side effects.
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.