Using ear stimulation to enhance treatment for plaque psoriasis
Augmenting Standard-of-care Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis by Neuromodulation
NA · Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine · NCT05243303
This study is testing if a new ear stimulation treatment can help people with plaque psoriasis feel better while they are also getting their usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Las Cruces, New Mexico) |
| Trial ID | NCT05243303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on patients with plaque psoriasis who are receiving standard treatment. Participants will self-administer either active taVNS or a sham treatment daily for three months, while their psoriasis severity will be monitored through clinical assessments and laboratory tests. The study aims to determine if taVNS can activate the body's anti-inflammatory pathways to improve skin lesions associated with psoriasis. By comparing the outcomes between the active and sham groups, researchers hope to establish the efficacy of this neuromodulatory approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of plaque psoriasis.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have certain neurological conditions, or are experiencing significant changes in their medication regimen may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel adjunctive treatment for patients with plaque psoriasis, potentially reducing treatment failures.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on taVNS specifically for plaque psoriasis, preliminary data suggest that similar neuromodulatory approaches have shown promise in other inflammatory conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older * Plaque psoriasis diagnosed by a dermatologist Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * vestibulocochlear neuronitis or nerve damage * cardiac arrhythmia * epilepsy * anticipated change in medication during the 3-month study period
Where this trial is running
Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine — Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Harald M Stauss, MD, PhD — Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Study coordinator: Harald M Stauss, MD, PhD
- Email: hstauss@burrell.edu
- Phone: 575-674-2327
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.
Conditions: Psoriasis Vulgaris, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, inflammation