Improving stiff joints with sustained-release relaxin
Late Stage Development of Sustained-release Relaxin for Treating Joint Contracture
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ORTHOLEVO, INC. · NIH-11162423
This project is exploring a new long-lasting medication to help people with stiff and painful shoulders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ORTHOLEVO, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lynnfield, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11162423 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Shoulder contracture, also known as "frozen shoulder," causes significant pain and limits arm movement due to the buildup of scar tissue. Current treatments often provide only temporary relief or involve surgery with potential complications. This project is developing a new injectable medication that slowly releases relaxin-2, a natural hormone, directly into the shoulder joint. Relaxin-2 works by helping to break down existing scar tissue and prevent new scar tissue from forming, aiming to restore motion and reduce pain more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals experiencing shoulder contracture or "frozen shoulder" due to various causes, including trauma, surgery, or unknown reasons.
Not a fit: Patients whose joint stiffness is not caused by fibrotic tissue accumulation, or those with other underlying conditions not addressed by relaxin, may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new treatment could offer a long-lasting way to reduce pain and improve movement for people with stiff shoulders, potentially avoiding surgery.
How similar studies have performed: This approach uses a naturally occurring hormone in a novel sustained-release formulation, representing a new direction for treating joint contracture.
Where this research is happening
Lynnfield, UNITED STATES
- ORTHOLEVO, INC. — Lynnfield, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COOPER, BENJAMIN GOLDMAN — ORTHOLEVO, INC.
- Study coordinator: COOPER, BENJAMIN GOLDMAN
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 below.