What is this study trying to find out about Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

This study is investigating whether blocking neuropeptide activity with botulinum toxin can reduce inflammation in Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). Researchers want to understand how this treatment affects immune cells in the skin to better understand HS inflammation. The study is led by the University of Massachusetts, Worcester.

Who may be eligible for this Hidradenitis Suppurativa clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 75 with a confirmed diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and skin lesions in at least two areas for over a year may be eligible. This trial accepts all genders and excludes those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular disorders. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this Hidradenitis Suppurativa clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the botulinum toxin treatment and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 75Years

All Genders

ID05403710

Targeting Nociceptors in Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Led by University of Massachusetts, Worcester · Updated on 2025-09-15

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the role of TRPV1 nociceptors in the development of Hidradenitis Suppurativa HS, a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven by type-17 inflammation. This study aims to test whether blocking neuropeptide activity with botulinum toxin can reduce the harmful inflammation associated with HS. Participants will receive botulinum toxin treatment, with 50 units injected intradermally into lesional skin in 10 small injections per axilla. Skin punch biopsies will be collected before treatment and again 1 to 2 months after the injections. These samples will be analyzed using flow cytometry, transcriptomics, and microscopy to assess changes in immune cells and inflammation. During the study, participants will be closely monitored with skin biopsies to evaluate populations of dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells before and after treatment. The primary outcome is measuring these immune cells 1 to 2 months post-treatment to understand the effect of botulinum toxin on skin inflammation. The study is observational and involves adult participants aged 18 to 75 with HS.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Botulinum Toxin Therapy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 75Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

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

You will not qualify if you...

Age under 18 years or over 75 years
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Neuromuscular disorder (e.g., ALS, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, myopathy)
Medical condition that contraindicates skin biopsy (e.g., end stage congestive heart failure, coagulopathy)
Active bacterial, fungal, or viral infection in the treatment area
Known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin A or its components (human albumin, saline, lactose, sodium succinate)
Prisoners
Adults unable to consent for themselves

Research Team

Sarah K Whitley, MD PhD

Michelle Landry, MPH

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