Using a cannabinoid to relieve itching and inflammation in dermatomyositis
Official title: A nonpsychoactive cannabinoid receptor-2 agonist to treat itch and inflammation in dermatomyositis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10656390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment that could help reduce the severe itching and inflammation caused by dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease, and it's designed for people who are dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $402,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR076766-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10656390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dermatomyositis who experience severe itching and skin inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dermatomyositis who do not experience significant itching or inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid receptor-2 agonist to alleviate severe itching and inflammation associated with dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease. The study builds on previous successful trials that showed improvements in skin disease activity and quality of life for patients. By examining the effects of this treatment on immune cell activity in the skin, the research aims to provide a safer and more effective therapy for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option that significantly improves the quality of life for patients with dermatomyositis by reducing itch and inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar cannabinoid treatments, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Werth, Victoria P — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Werth, Victoria P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding why Dermatomyositis causes worse outcomes in women
A patient-centered project to understand why women with dermatomyositis, especially Black women, have more severe disease and death, and to build a regional patient registry to guide better care.
-
Personalized Immunomonitoring for Juvenile Dermatomyositis
A personalized approach to monitoring immune signals in kids with juvenile dermatomyositis to better understand and track their disease.
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Precision therapies for dermatomyositis using single-cell RNA data and bioinformatics
A doctor-scientist team at a major hospital plans to find existing drugs that could treat dermatomyositis by analyzing patient cells at the single-cell level and testing promising options in the lab.
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Identifying targeted treatments for dermatomyositis using advanced genetic analysis
This study is looking at dermatomyositis, a tough autoimmune condition, to find better and safer treatments by examining blood and skin samples from patients to see how their immune system is affected, and then using that information to repurpose existing medications.
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Understanding how skin and blood cell signals affect treatment response in children with dermatomyositis
This study is looking at why some kids with juvenile dermatomyositis don’t get better with usual treatments by checking their skin and blood for clues, so we can find better ways to help them feel better.
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Anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy for refractory autoimmune diseases
This will try anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy in adults with refractory rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus, or systemic sclerosis to see if it is safe and can control their disease.
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.