Using infrared light therapy to treat spinal cord injuries
Official title: Non-invasive infrared light therapy and medical device to treat spinal cord injury
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11162498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using infrared light therapy can help people with spinal cord injuries by reducing inflammation and protecting nerve cells, with the hope of improving their ability to move in the long run.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134695-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently sustained a spinal cord injury and are within the acute phase of treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have chronic spinal cord injuries or those who are not within the acute phase of injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-invasive approach using infrared light therapy to address spinal cord injuries (SCI) by targeting the acute inflammatory response that occurs within the first 24 hours after injury. The therapy aims to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to neuronal death and inhibit recovery. By restoring mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, the research seeks to improve long-term mobility outcomes for patients with SCI. Patients may receive this therapy through a medical device designed to deliver infrared light directly to the affected area.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that significantly improves recovery and mobility for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using infrared light therapy is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in the context of spinal cord injuries.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huettemann, Maik — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Huettemann, Maik
Related research
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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.