Enzyme injection could loosen stiff joints in brain and spinal cord injuries
NCT ID NCT07693556
First seen Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether injecting collagenase—an enzyme that breaks down tough connective tissue—can reduce contracture (stiff, shortened muscles) and spasticity (uncontrolled muscle tightness) in people with neurological impairments like stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury. The study enrolls 15 adults who are at least 6 months post-injury and have tendon contracture. Researchers will measure changes in muscle tone and joint movement, while closely watching for side effects such as tendon damage or injection-site reactions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- XIAFLEX (collagenase) injection
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-surgical option to reduce muscle tightness and improve joint movement in people with neurological conditions.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (15 people). Risks include tendon rupture, ligament damage, skin tears, and injection-site pain or swelling. It may not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 15 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 6 months post stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury, medically stable; * clinical diagnosis of tendon contracture Exclusion Criteria: * Is hypersensitive to XIAFLEX or collagenase; * Is currently adjusting tone alternating medications (e.g., baclofen), or * Received botulinum toxin injection to target areas \<4 months, or phenol injections \< 9 months; * Received surgical release of tendons; * Is a pregnant woman; * Has coagulation disorders, including those who receive concomitant anticoagulants (except for low-dose aspirin). * has heritable connective tissue disorders, including those within the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) spectrum.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States