Using botulinum toxin to treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Targeting Nociceptors in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
This study is testing if botulinum toxin can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05403710 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of botulinum toxin therapy on patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The researchers will collect skin biopsies from participants before and after treatment to analyze changes in inflammation markers. By inhibiting neuropeptide activity, the study aims to determine if botulinum toxin can reduce IL-17 driven inflammation associated with HS. The approach builds on previous findings from both animal and human studies regarding the role of TRPV1 nociceptors in HS pathology.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with a confirmed diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and lesions present for at least one year.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 75, those with certain neuromuscular disorders, or those with active infections in the treatment area may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce inflammation and improve the quality of life for patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on existing data, the specific application of botulinum toxin for Hidradenitis Suppurativa is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion: * Adults between ages 18 and 75 years with established diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) * HS skin lesions of duration at least 1 year, HS skin lesions in at least two different body areas Exclusion: * Age \< 18 years or \> 75 years * pregnant or breastfeeding * neuromuscular disorder (ex. ALS, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, myopathy) * medical co-morbidity that is a relative contraindication to skin biopsy procedure (ex. end stage congestive heart failure or coagulopathy) * active bacterial, fungal, or viral infection in the treatment area * known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin A preparations or any of their components (human albumin, saline, lactose, sodium succinate) * prisoners * adults unable to consent for themselves.
Where this trial is running
Worcester, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah K Whitley, MD PhD — Assistant Professor of Dermatology
- Study coordinator: Sarah K Whitley, MD PhD
- Email: sarah.whitley@umassmed.edu
- Phone: (508)334-5979
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.