New treatment for severe autonomic crises in patients with familial dysautonomia

Dexmedetomidine Sublingual Film for the Ambulatory Treatment of Hyperadrenergic Autonomic Crisis in Patients with Familial Dysautonomia

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10932210

This study is looking at a new way to help people with familial dysautonomia manage sudden, severe symptoms using a special film that dissolves under the tongue, which could make it easier and safer for them to handle these episodes at home.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10932210 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new way to treat hyperadrenergic autonomic crises in patients with familial dysautonomia, a rare genetic disorder. The approach involves using a sublingual film of dexmedetomidine, which may help manage acute episodes that cause severe symptoms like high blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting, and other complications. By testing this treatment, the researchers aim to provide a safer and more effective option for patients to use at home during crises, potentially reducing the need for emergency interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with familial dysautonomia who experience hyperadrenergic autonomic crises.

Not a fit: Patients without familial dysautonomia or those who do not experience autonomic crises may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective at-home treatment option for patients experiencing severe autonomic crises.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel for treating autonomic crises in familial dysautonomia, similar methods using dexmedetomidine have shown promise in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 2026-06-13 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.