Using Relaxin-2 to Treat Frozen Shoulder
Official title: Sustained Release Relaxin-2 for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11092216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with frozen shoulder by using a hormone called relaxin-2 to ease pain and improve movement, and it could offer better long-lasting relief than the treatments currently available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,723 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR079489-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with frozen shoulder who have already undergone surgical interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment for frozen shoulder, a condition affecting millions of people. It focuses on using a hormone called relaxin-2, which helps soften tissues, to reduce the fibrous tissue buildup that causes pain and limited movement in the shoulder. The approach involves delivering relaxin-2 in a controlled manner using special biodegradable materials, aiming to provide long-lasting relief and improve shoulder function. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option compared to current therapies that only offer temporary relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and long-lasting treatment for patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of relaxin-2 for this specific condition is novel, similar approaches using peptide therapies have shown promise in other fibrotic conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grinstaff, Mark W. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Grinstaff, Mark W.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sustained Release Relaxin-2 to Treat Frozen Shoulder
A new protein therapy using extended-release relaxin-2 is explored to help people with frozen shoulder regain movement and reduce pain.
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Using relaxin to treat frozen shoulder
This study is testing a new injection treatment for frozen shoulder that uses a natural hormone to help ease pain and stiffness, aiming to improve your shoulder movement and overall quality of life.
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Spinal and Kaltenborn mobilization for a stiff shoulder (frozen shoulder)
A randomized trial tests spinal mobilization with arm movement and Kaltenborn mobilization to see if they reduce pain and improve motion and function in people with adhesive capsulitis.
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This study tests whether transcatheter arterial microembolization (TAME) works better than corticosteroid injections for people with frozen shoulder.
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Combined Mulligan Mobilization, Pain Neuroscience Education, and Core Stabilization for Frozen Shoulder
This study tests whether a rehab program with Mulligan mobilization, pain education, and core stabilization helps people with frozen shoulder more than standard physical therapy.
-
Ultrasound-Guided PENG Block for Chronic Shoulder Pain
This study tests whether an ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block can improve pain and function in adults with chronic shoulder pain who haven’t responded to standard treatments.
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.