Using relaxin to treat frozen shoulder
Official title: Enabling Studies for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Using Relaxin
Funded at Ortholevo, INC. · NIH-10448418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ortholevo, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lynnfield, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $914,843 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AR079326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10448418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frozen shoulder who are experiencing significant pain and limited range of motion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with frozen shoulder who have already undergone surgical treatment or those with other underlying shoulder conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for frozen shoulder, a condition that causes painful stiffness and limited motion in the shoulder. The approach involves creating a local injectable formulation of relaxin-2, a naturally occurring hormone that helps reduce collagen production and promote tissue remodeling. By targeting the underlying cause of the condition, this therapy aims to provide more effective and lasting relief compared to current treatments. Patients will receive this innovative therapy through injections, which could significantly improve their shoulder mobility and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients suffering from frozen shoulder, potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of relaxin for treating frozen shoulder is a novel approach, similar hormone-based therapies have shown promise in other fibrotic conditions, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ortholevo, INC.
Lynnfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Benjamin Goldman — Ortholevo, INC.
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Benjamin Goldman
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sustained Release Relaxin-2 to Treat Frozen Shoulder
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Using Relaxin-2 to Treat Frozen Shoulder
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.
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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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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.