How tamoxifen helps muscles recover after spinal cord injuries

Effects of Tamoxifen in skeletal muscle recovery after spinal cord injury and mechanisms activated by the drug

NIH-funded research University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11060018

This study is looking at how the cancer drug tamoxifen might help muscles recover better after a spinal cord injury, especially during the early days when you can't exercise, and it will also check if there are any differences in how men and women respond to the treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Juan, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060018 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of tamoxifen, a cancer drug, on muscle recovery following spinal cord injuries. It aims to understand how tamoxifen can reduce muscle degeneration and improve muscle function during the critical early phase after injury when exercise is not possible. The study will explore the drug's impact on muscle fiber properties and the activation of satellite cells, with a focus on potential differences between male and female responses. By using animal models, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently suffered a spinal cord injury and are experiencing muscle atrophy.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic spinal cord injuries or those who do not have significant muscle atrophy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery of muscle function in patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of tamoxifen for muscle recovery is a novel approach, preliminary data suggests it may have beneficial effects, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

San Juan, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer drug
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.