Developing a new treatment for painful shoulder stiffness

Late Stage Development of Sustained-release Relaxin for Treating Joint Contracture

NIH-funded research Ortholevo, INC. · NIH-11007103

This study is testing a new injectable treatment using a hormone called relaxin-2 to help people with shoulder contracture, a condition that causes painful stiffness and limits movement, with the hope of improving their shoulder mobility and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOrtholevo, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lynnfield, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11007103 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a sustained-release formulation of relaxin-2, a naturally occurring hormone, to treat shoulder contracture, also known as arthrofibrosis. The condition leads to painful stiffness and loss of motion in the shoulder, affecting millions of individuals. Current treatments provide only temporary relief, while this innovative approach aims to address the underlying cause by reducing fibrotic tissue accumulation. Patients will receive an injectable treatment that could significantly improve their shoulder mobility and quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing shoulder stiffness and pain due to arthrofibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients with shoulder contracture caused by conditions other than arthrofibrosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from shoulder contracture.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of relaxin-2 for this specific condition is novel, similar approaches targeting collagen regulation have shown promise in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Lynnfield, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.