Clownfish mucus may hold the key to jellyfish sting prevention
NCT ID NCT00114894
First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This field study tests whether a topical lotion based on clownfish mucus can prevent jellyfish stings in real ocean conditions. Healthy volunteers planning to snorkel for 30–45 minutes apply the lotion before entering the water. The trial compares the sting-inhibitor lotion against a standard sunscreen placebo to see if it reduces the number of stings.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a topical jellyfish sting inhibitor based on clownfish mucus, called Safe Sea
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a reliable way to prevent jellyfish stings for swimmers and snorkelers worldwide.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small field test with only 12 participants, and lab results may not hold up in real ocean conditions. The lotion's effectiveness may also vary by jellyfish species.
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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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Apr 2004
- Finished
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Feb 2006
- 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 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Healthy volunteers planning on snorkeling for 30 to 45 minutes. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Severe allergy to jellyfish * Allergy to any topical dermatologic product
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Dry Tortugas National Park
Key West, Florida, 33041, United States