Reducing inflammation in a painful skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa
Official title: Targeting cutaneous nociceptors to reduce Type-17 inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11078296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in the skin can cause inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and it aims to find new treatments that can help reduce this inflammation and pain, with the possibility of involving patients in trials to test these new options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,458 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR080844-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa who experience chronic inflammation and pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other skin conditions or those not diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and targeting specific nerve cells in the skin that contribute to inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition. The approach involves using advanced techniques to analyze immune cells in affected skin and testing treatments that block pain signals to reduce inflammation. By studying how certain neuropeptides influence immune responses, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for managing HS. Patients may be involved in clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of these innovative treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce pain and inflammation for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting neuropeptides for treating inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitley, Sarah Kern — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Whitley, Sarah Kern
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Anti-CD38 immunotherapy for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
A new treatment using anti-CD38 therapy is being tested for people with severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have not responded to prior therapies.
-
Botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals to immune cells to treat hidradenitis suppurativa
This NIH grant tests a new approach to hidradenitis suppurativa by using botulinum toxin to interrupt nerve signals that may drive skin inflammation in patients.
-
Precision therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa using AI
A doctor-researcher team at UC San Francisco is using advanced computer methods to find personalized drug options to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
-
Injectable Hydrogel for HS: a localized therapy to ease painful skin disease
A new baricitinib hydrogel is being developed to deliver pain relief and reduce inflammation directly in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions, potentially lowering systemic side effects.
-
Whole-genome sequencing to understand hidradenitis suppurativa in diverse groups
Researchers will study the genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa, especially in African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White patients, to better understand why some people are more affected.
-
Understanding the Genes Behind Hidradenitis Suppurativa in teens and young adults
A study to find genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that often starts in adolescence and affects many Black individuals.
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.