Using Romidepsin to treat spasticity after spinal cord injury
Official title: Development of Long-term Intrathecal Romidepsin: A New Drug Candidate for SCI-Induced Spasticity
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11014978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver a medication called Romidepsin directly into the spinal canal to help people with muscle stiffness from spinal cord injuries feel more comfortable and improve their movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004654-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with spasticity resulting from spinal cord injuries who have not found relief from traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spasticity not related to spinal cord injuries or those who have contraindications to Romidepsin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a method for delivering Romidepsin directly into the spinal canal to treat spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries. The study will evaluate both the effectiveness and safety of this long-term treatment approach, focusing on how well it reduces muscle stiffness and improves patient comfort. By using an established catheter infusion method, researchers hope to provide a more effective solution for patients who suffer from chronic spasticity. The project will also explore the underlying mechanisms of how Romidepsin works in the nervous system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new long-term treatment option for patients suffering from spasticity due to spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of Romidepsin has shown promise in acute settings, this long-term intrathecal delivery method is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kauer, Sierra Dawn — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Kauer, Sierra Dawn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable exoskeleton that provides on-demand leg stretching for people with spasticity
This project offers a wearable robotic device that provides on-demand leg stretching to help people with spasticity from spinal cord injury or brain injury reduce spasms and improve movement.
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This study tests a non-invasive spinal stimulation plus treadmill training to reduce spasticity and improve walking in children with cerebral palsy.
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Shockwave therapy to help reduce spasticity after spinal cord injury
A randomized, sham-controlled trial will test whether extracorporeal shockwave therapy can lessen muscle tightness in people with spinal cord injuries.
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Cerebellum-targeted deep brain stimulation for severe movement problems and spasticity in cerebral palsy
This project tests whether implanted electrodes that stimulate a cerebellar motor area can reduce severe involuntary movements and muscle tightness in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
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Non‑invasive spinal stimulation to reduce spasms, pain, and improve movement after spinal cord injury
This project uses gentle electrical pulses over the skin of the spine to reduce muscle spasms, ease neuropathic pain, and help movement for people with spinal cord injury.
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Using non-invasive stimulation to reduce spasticity and improve movement after spinal cord injury
This study is looking at how gentle spinal cord stimulation can help people with spinal cord injuries feel less stiffness and regain better movement, making it a friendly option for improving recovery.
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.