Buspirone tested to boost breathing in spinal cord injury patients

NCT ID NCT05041322

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested whether buspirone, a drug usually used for anxiety, can improve breathing capacity in people with chronic high-level spinal cord injuries. Thirteen participants took either buspirone or a placebo for 14 days. Researchers measured lung function, breathing drive, sleep quality, and exercise capacity.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

buspirone (BuSpar)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a medication that helps people with spinal cord injuries breathe more easily.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 13 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the drug may not improve breathing enough to be noticeable.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Spaulding Hospital Cambridge

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States